Girl Power and Feminism Feminism is a topic that has been on my mind for a few years now, and I would like to contribute to the women’s equality discussion. I grew up knowing that as a girl (now a woman), I was strong. My mind could take on the smarts of boys, my muscles could beat boys in physical competitions, my skills in building relationships could outdo those of the boys around me. However, I didn’t truly understand the way I felt as a female and why it was important to acknowledge those feelings. Starting at the age of twenty, I started to develop my identity as a woman, and my ideas began to take more shape. I had opinions on Feminism, (in)equality in the work force, and women’s suffrage, and it was time for me to spread my wings!
Did you know that 57% of women participate in the workforce? Of those women, 70% raise a family at home. The wage gap is at 21.7% showing that women earn just 78.3% of what men working the same career might earn (data found at the Women’s Bureau). The statistics get even crazier (and not in a good way) when you factor in women from minority groups! I happen to work at a job (teaching) where the wage gap isn’t based on gender. When I get a raise, it isn’t based on performance, and I don’t even have to have a conversation with my employer. Rather, teaching is a set salary, based on school district, that increases over time and level of education. Although teaching doesn’t offer me a large paycheck, I am certainly thankful I don’t have to deal with a differing salary from a male coworker based solely on our gender. However, I do have friends that are impacted by the wage gap, and even worse, taken less seriously in an office setting. This really does exist!
The wage gap and lack of clout in the office setting are just examples of how women are still fighting for equality, but what are we going to do about it? Becoming a hardcore feminist is tough for many people, including myself. Part of the reason is the stigma attached to the word feminism, and what people expect of you if you call yourself one. In fact, I think of myself as a feminist–I am not as radical as some may think you need to be to qualify as one. Being a feminist, and using the F word for yourself, simply means that you fight for yourself as a woman, and for the other women around you. Empowering other females to be the best versions of themselves is definitely enough to consider yourself a part of the movement. In order to help us reach the same goal, I have listed a few things you can do to encourage equality of women.
How to Encourage Feminism and Equality For Women
- Support other women in their endeavors, EVEN if they are competition.
- Tell people to stop “mansplaining”. This is when you bring up something relevant, and a male decides to re-explain what you meant, as if you didn’t make sense. Simply say, “thank you! I am glad that you agree with my idea!”
- Stop allowing others to tell you you are acting a certain way because of your “time of the month”. You are allowed to have feelings, and just because you may have fluctuating hormones, that does not give an excuse for someone to hold it against you. Men going through hormonal cycles as well, but when they do, we just think they are grumpy.
- Educate yourself. It is hard to prove that we are worth our salt if we don’t have knowledge in our area of work or field. You can be an expert in rocket science, or an expert in sewing, but as long as you are an expert, you will always have a skill worth being paid for.
- Be transparent and confident. It is easy to think that your ideas don’t matter, but by not speaking up you are allowing your great ideas and contribution to go unheard! Be confident and open about your opinions.
- Be happy with yourself. You don’t have to be a boardroom boss to be a feminist. There is room for stay-at-home-moms at the table as well. We need strong woman today to raise the strong women of tomorrow and we should value the work that women do at home just as much as we value the work that women do in the work force. Remember, feminism is about getting women who work to be treated as equals, its about getting all women to be treated with equal respect.
We could– literally– talk for hours about the different ways to advocate for yourself as a woman, but I will leave you with those 6 simple steps above. If we continue to work on this together, we can get closer to the change in mindset we are looking for.
How do you encourage quality for women? Tell me in the comments below!
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Candace Hampton
October 3, 2017For one, I don't date guys that don't see women as being equal to men. I have dumped more than one guy who thought he could tell me what I couldn't do as a woman. I also constantly share posts on facebook supporting feminism and equality for women, showing that I will not conform to society's beliefs on what they think we "should" be or do!
http://www.thebeautybeau.com
Two Peas in a Prada
October 3, 2017I love these tips!
Kalee Cockburn
October 3, 2017You're awesome. Way to encourage equality!! And I love this shirt. The mesh dress over it is perfect!
Savanna Monroy
October 3, 2017Yes yes yes yesssss! I love this post and I LOVE your outfit.
Dawn Darnell
October 3, 2017You go girl! We are on the same page this week! I love it when we can share our thoughts about topics that matter to us on our blog.
Shelby Back
October 3, 2017these are great tips & you're rocking this dress!
xo!
Shelby
http://www.glitterandgingham.com
Stephanie Whitman
October 4, 2017You've got such a unique take on this topic, and I think it's incredibly refreshing. Thank you for sharing now only your thoughts but your fun outfit! Totally cool street style!
Maggie Tate
October 4, 2017Love this outfit girl you completely rock it!!!
Samantha
October 5, 2017I love this outfit! So perfect for fall!
http://www.thefitbrunette.com
Nita
October 5, 2017Such a great outfit and I love this post!!
Alice Kerley
October 10, 2017Girl you are rocking the newsboy hat!! I wasn't sure how I felt about this trend but seeing it styled this way has me swooning.
xo,
Alice