To Be A Woman.....

“We can become what we want to be by remaining what we are” - Oprah Winfrey

Tuesday, August 18, 2020 marked the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. This amendment established women's suffrage for the first time, granting white women across the country the right to vote to the exclusion of non-white women.

Being a woman means being powerful. Being a woman means being assertive. It means being compassionate and vulnerable towards those we love in our lives without feeling weak for doing so. It means striving for our goals even in the face of the adversity we may encounter along the way. - queens journal.

As women, we are sometimes afraid of taking that job, or being “that girl”, or going against a man. Why should we though? As women we are just as good, as powerful, and as wonderful as a man.

We recognize Women’s History Month to teach what women have done, and to help inspire women to fulfill their true potential. Women were at the forefront of the gender-based violence, domestic violence, and sexual violence prevention movements, and continue to lead the way to a world without violence. This month, and every month, we must also commit to unequivocal just understanding the intersectionality of all of our identities. We must remember that our work is not

done - feminism is only feminism if it is intersectional, bringing with us women of color, immigrant women, and every individual who identifies as a woman. It is up to us to continue rebuilding systems that are inclusive, equitable, and unrelenting in their dedication to justice.

Michelle Obama is one of the most powerful and confident women of this generation.Now more than ever, the First Lady stands as an emblem of the resilient and independent-minded woman of today. The impact of her legacy for women and girls could stop at her character, but as First Lady, Michelle Obama decided early on to make full use of the platform to advance the issues she cares most about.

All in all, her impact and continuing legacy on women's rights will continue for centuries to come. She is a powerful, independent, and strong woman and she makes sure everyone around her is aware of that. Alongside her, thousands of women are on the ground mobilizing for a more inclusive world every single day. Whether in the realm of worker’s rights, education advocacy, STEM, or criminal justice, women have been and continue to be at the forefront of movements leading us to better.

As women we need to take a stand and end gender discrimination. We need to be united and not leave any female behind. Let’s use our individual platforms to raise our voices for a more equitable society.

Jasmine Kaur Saluja