For many women, it's been a tough week. Hillary Clinton definitely had her flaws and we know that, but her loss to Donald Trump perfectly represents a situation women know way too well. We have to fight to be seen as equal, and we're often pushed aside, having our accomplishments ignored or overshadowed by men who are clearly not as qualified. It's a bit hard not to feel defeated when we see a fellow woman defeated. Luckily enough, we have so many amazing female role models who are still climbing up the ladder and working together to break that glass ceiling. We can only fight and continue to make progress. Here are some women who are fighting sexism everyday:
1. Michelle Obama
Michelle Obama hasn't simply taken on some of the most controversial and ignored about issues in history—she’s fought for them. She focuses on poverty awareness, nutrition, and physical activity. She spearheaded the nationwide Let’s Move! Campaign to help end childhood obesity; she gave school lunches a makeover and created the Partnership for a Healthier America. She also advocates for the arts, and created a program to highlight the importance of arts instruction in under-performing schools called the Turnaround Arts program. Not only is she a political and social icon, but a fashion icon as well. And if you didn’t think she was accomplished enough already, she’s the only First Lady in history to hold a degree from two Ivy League colleges.
2. Melinda Gates
Melinda Gates is the perfect example of a highly successful, wealthy woman who loves to give back to the world. In her philanthropy and global development, she founded The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in which she’s given $4.2 billion to philanthropic causes and more than $36.7 billion in grants. She didn’t just create it, either - she actively runs it, overseeing the overall direction of the organization, reviewing results and approving the strategies of the foundation. She’s an innovator in the philanthropy field: she’s inspired other companies and donors to change their approach to philanthropy by creating highly targeted campaigns—her global work has inspired other big donors and has changed the way funders think about effective philanthropy. She’s also a dedicated feminist who visited the village Malawi in southeastern Africa (one of the most impoverished areas of the world) to inspire women to follow their dreams.
3. Ilhan Omar
America’s first Somali-American Muslim woman legislator was elected this week! Ilhan Omar, a former refugee, accepted the position in Minnesota on November 8th (while proudly wearing her hijab), and said “it’s the beginning of something new," when she accepted the position. She describes herself as a “feminist, part-time social justice crusader and full-time political junkie”. In her policies, she supports paid parental leave, respect of Muslims, and the banning of environmentally-harmful containers and pesticides. She is a local role model and respected mother. Ilhan's quickly becoming a strong voice for Muslim women not only in her state, but in the country.
4. Tammy Duckworth
Can I just start off by saying that this woman is an absolute bad ass? She was injured in her line of duty as a Black Hawk helicopter pilot in Iraq. In the attack, she lost both of her legs, and for her service and courage received a Purple Heart. Tammy also left with an even bigger passion to serve her country in whichever way she could. She now advocates for veterans and proper care for them. Before being elected into the House of Representatives in 2013, she served as the assistant secretary of Veteran Affairs for three years. She has since served on the Armed Services Committee and worked to advocate for improved care for veterans—including efforts for her fellow women, pushing to extend maternity leave for female military members. Tammy just earned her seat in the Senate as of Tuesday.
5. You
No matter your struggle, you continue to fight everyday and live in a patriarchal world while still being successful. You will always face setbacks and unfortunately, for the time being, you will still need to fight to be heard. But your resolve and strength of just being a woman can never be taken away from you, no matter how many times you're told you can't do something a man can do.
