"Are you a feminist?" The word is pushed from people's mouths with scorn like it's Voldemort. I could say no to save myself the trouble, but that would be a lie. The word 'feminist' has taken such a negative connotation, and I think that's all wrong. I'm here to set the record straight, at least on my behalf.

I am a feminist for the stay-at-home mom. I am a feminist for the working mom. I am a feminist for the single woman. I am a feminist for all these different types of women because that is what it means to me. It means that there is no right way to be a woman. It means that I, and every other woman, has the choice. We have the right to choose what we want to make of our futures.

I am a feminist for young women like Malala Yousafzai who risk their lives just to attend school. I am a feminist for women across the world still being told their hymens being intact is the most important thing about them. I am a feminist because I believe that I should be judged for my intelligence and ability rather than the outfit I chose to wear to an interview.

I am a feminist for my nieces growing up before my eyes. I am a feminist because I never want them to doubt their worth and ability because someone else is telling them 'that is not how a lady should act'. Be loud or be quiet, but never be silenced. Be housewife, be a career woman, be both, and be confident that it is by your own choosing.

I am a feminist for every woman who came before me and struggled and fought to get us this far. For you, I will not stop pushing forward. For my peers, I will keep pushing for our futures. For the little girls, I will keep pushing to ensure you have the healthcare, education, and respect that you deserve.