I had never been to Washington, D.C. Not once in my entire life until today, International Women's Day. It feels prophetic, like a calling of sorts to put things into action that I've wanted to do for a long time. It feels wrong to sit here and not record my thoughts in the city that founded my country.
In my humble opinion, education is the key to life. It's also a great privilege that not many in the world are lucky to have. I have been blessed with the best education possible in my life and it has made all the difference. I understand our government and I have learned the versions of history that aren't whitewashed and male focused. I am lucky.
History is a funny thing; it predicts the future if we look closely. And yet, in the year 2017 we have not learned to learn from the past to make change in the future. It feels like it could be the 1800s and I am part of Susan B. Anthony's women's movement. It could be a century in our past and I am joining Alice Paul and Lucy Burns in their movement. So much has happened since then but not nearly enough. One thing hasn't changed though, women are pushing the world to be better and leading the way on the path to change.
It's disheartening that gender is still a determining factor for who holds the power when really, each person is born equal. Society has built a constraint. Gender roles need to end. Men can be emotional. Women can be stoic. Anyone can be anything they want to be. And as a national who stands for "liberty and justice for all," we are all to be held accountable when things are not done in the name of liberty and justice.
No matter who you are or where you come from, it's clear that there is more we can do and better that we can do for everyone.
This month is Women's History Month and as a passionate advocate for feminism and a history nerd, I want to share those women's stories that aren't told.
Now, women, be YOU! You can do anything and be anyone. Break down the barriers for yourself and for others. Celebrate the women who have changed your life. But, when it comes down to it, celebrate yourself. Celebrate your power as woman. Know your strengths, your passions, your dignity and use all that you are to make your life what you want it to be. Celebrate yourself. Celebrate women.
