For many years, women have been inferior to men. Whether it comes to leadership positions, double standards, social norms, women have been taught that men are the superior gender and to stay in a “woman’s place”. In the past, women were not allowed the right to vote, to work (besides the home duties), or even pretty much think on their own without the approval of a man. In my opinion, women were treated as doormats. I could not imagine what it would be like to be living during these extreme times. Although things have changed a lot legally, there are still these unspoken norms given to women. A lot of men still have the misogynist mindset that a woman belongs in the kitchen, she needs to stay a home mother, and clean around the house. Well, it is 2017 almost 2018 and things have changed drastically. In this age, women are proud of their bodies, their careers, and their voice. Women all around the world are expressing themselves in ways that we have never seen before.
For example, Amber Rose has started her own women rights movement labeled, the SlutWalk. Of course, she received terrible feedback but she also received uplifting feedback. The purpose of the walk is to let others know that women are not objects, prizes, or just arm candy. Women are hard workers who deserve the same respect that is given to men when making huge accomplishments. Also, the walk serves as a platform for rape advocates. Amber makes the claims that “it does not matter what I am wearing, I could be butt-naked, but when I say no, I mean no.” Essentially, she is letting others know that just because women have curves and like to show them off, a woman has every right to her body and what she says, ultimately goes. She is not property, no one owns her or her body but herself. Personally, I love the idea of the walk and it is a great genuine way to bring awareness to unequal treatment as well as sexual assault.
Growing up, I had both of my parents in my life. I was fortunate enough that both of my parents taught me to how to be independent and motivated without the help from others. As a young girl, growing up was hard. If you did not get the judgment from the guys, you definitely got it from other girls who you may not have shared the same characteristics with. “You can’t be too loud. Men hate loud women. Don’t do that, that’s not ladylike” were just some of the things I would hear. It wasn’t until I talked to my parents and they told me to never change who I am for the approval of a man that it clicked for me. If a man really cared about you, he would never ask you to change in the first place or judge you for being yourself. In the world today, there are still issues such as arranged marriages, child brides, rape, and female mutilation, that is all still centered around the idea of a man and what he wants in the end. As we work together, we can try to limit these issues one step at a time. Despite these issues, women have made tremendous progress. We went from not being able to vote, to have our first female presidential candidate. I see a big future for my fellow women and I am so proud to call myself a woman.
-HCXO!