International Women's Day

What began as a comment on a friend's Facebook post and what was turning into a Facebook status, I realized I might as well take this to the blog.

Today is International Women's Day, which is meant to celebrate the impact women have had in history and the impact we have every day in every country. Yes, we in America have gained many freedoms that others still have yet to obtain. However, the U.S.A. is not without flaws and internationally women's rights are still being violated every day.

In answer to the questions of what are women in America fighting for, what rights do we not yet have or fear being taken away, here is my answer:

I'm sure the suffragettes faced similar opposition decades ago when rising up about voting rights. Horrible crimes were being committed internationally and on U.S. soil. Were these women wrong to make such bold statements, fight against the norm and what was acceptable? Were they wrong to fight against the low expectations and fight for higher dreams? Of course not! But hindsight is 20/20 and it's easy to see why they were right when we aren't standing in their shoes.

The issues being fought for now are not any different. Here in America, sexism runs rampant in our streets, schools and businesses. Women are still looked over for certain jobs and promotions because they are women, rather than comparing skill set. We balance our male bosses, coworkers and customers with flirtation because it is expected and unacceptable to behave otherwise. We struggle to remain relevant in all areas and prove our knowledge in places men aren't required to. We struggle to remain relevant in all areas and prove our knowledge in places men aren't required to. That's how we get the job done. We learn from a young age to avert our eyes from the gaze of older men and to dress to not attract attention for fear of safety. If we dare to dress in what is perceived as provocative, we are blamed for assaults and rapes, yet this is rarely (if ever) a fear of men or cause for mention in court of law for assaults against men. These norms and worries are not a part of the other half of America. This is a portion of what American women are fighting against, so that the future generations don't have to.

When women marched on Washington and throughout the world in January, I was proud of my sex. I was proud that we wouldn't remain silent in the face of misogyny and blatant sexism. I was proud that we had finally had enough of the unjust justice system as it continually released and refused to punish rapists while still shaming or ignoring the survivor. I was proud that we declared our daughters and grand-daughters would no longer have to suffer with the base expectations placed upon us by others. I was proud that we have begun to call out those that would have us remain as lambs when that's not what we were created to be. No person, no matter how great their perceived power, can reduce that pride that I felt as a woman.

Yes we've come a long way, but we have a long way to go. I honor the women who have fought in years past, and I honor my sisters who fight now. Both here in America and globally.

XOXO
Ashley