How to Act Like a Girl
Raised in a traditional Filipino household, for as long as I can remember, I was told to act like a girl. I have always questioned this, how exactly do you act like a girl? Women are strong, diligent, driven, and intelligent, but as a young woman, I was told several times to be “more feminine”, to wait for someone else to do the “difficult task”, to “sit still and be pretty.” I didn’t.
The revolution formally began at the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848. Over 300 people were present, both men and women, showing support for the fight for gender equality. Starting the convention, Elizabeth Cady Stanton presented a speech that declared the natural rights that women are entitled to. Stanton is known to be the primary writer of the Declaration of Sentiments, the document that calls for guaranteed rights of women.
Now, over 172 years later we are still fighting for that very same reason. Right this second, we are pushing for equal pay, accessible education, reproductive rights, religion, morals, etc., which many women lack.
Here are some current events accomplishments that highlight the leadership and unstoppable force that women are:
Environmental Justice
Women all over the world are joining in the fight of ending the Fossil Fuel industry. They are greatly concerned about the climate and fossil fuel issues from Afghanistan, Alabama, Alaska, and the Amazon. Addressing the issue, they initiated an active protest that demanded attention to the current environmental issues. As said by Angelika Soriano, “I know I might be little, but I can make a huge impact on this earth.”
For the future and health of all, they stood up tall. Lina and Runa, both 11-year-olds, bravely stood beside the banner protesting against the Arctic Oil Drilling. From young to old, these future leaders aim for nothing but unity and justice for all.
Governmental Activism
Voicing their opposition, hundreds of young women took roles in Thailand’s Protests. Students, most young women, gathered and participated in a pro-democracy protest. Fighting Against a patriarchy, which controls the military power, monarchy, and Buddhist monkhood. Most earliest verbal protests came from female students. Unafraid to demand that Thailand embrace new modern ideas, several specific for women. Such as abortion, taxes on menstrual products, and school rules (that force female students to utilize the outdated and traditional version of femininity).
Although Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-Ochan ignored these requests, the fight continued. According to his speech on vocational training in 2016, he does not believe that Thai society highlights the equality of women.
Challenging the Government
Due to the nomination of Amy Coney Barrett by President Trump, hundreds protested at the Boston Common on Saturday. Siobhan Ready, the organizer, claims that the American People do not support his decision as Trump’s administration wants to defund Planned Parenthood, repeal the Affordable Care Act, decrease environmental protection, and support the deportation of immigrants. As participation increased many came forth with calls for more declared equal rights for women, the LGBT community, people of color, and other minority groups. Regardless of the color of our skin, our nationality, social status, sexuality, we are all fighting for one reason. Equality.
Don’t be afraid to be labeled as “bossy.” A woman can be as great of a leader as a man. We no longer have to stand behind someone, we stand beside them, ready to encounter the worldly problems, shoulder to shoulder. From social controversies to environmental justice, to economic issues, you can lead the change that you want to happen.
Women fight the battles.
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