Today is International Women's Day.

Social media has been aflutter with support and praise for advancements in women's equality and rights and advocating for continuing social change. Jimmy Carter, the former 39th President of the United States, came out today saying that he left the Southern Baptist Convention - the largest Protestant body in the United States - after the leader of his local parish made misogynistic comments regarding the place of women within the home and society.

Starting Monday night, #internationalwomensday was a trending topic on Twitter , and millions of users reflected on what the day meant to them, their loved ones, and the women pioneers of the past.

One of these Twitter users was Kim Kardashian, who, at midnight on March 7, posted a nude picture of herself to Twitter - with some conveniently placed black bars - and the caption, "When you're like I have nothing to wear LOL" [sic].

The tweet, and its accompanying photo, were met with considerable backlash, especially from high-profile celebs such as Bette Midler and Chloe-Grace Moretz.

Kim Kardashian tweeted a nude selfie today. If Kim wants us to see a part of her we've never seen,
she's gonna have to swallow the camera.
— Bette Midler (@BetteMidler)

@KimKardashian I truly hope you realize how important setting goals are for young women, teaching them we have so much more to offer than-
— Chloë Grace Moretz (@ChloeGMoretz)

While the Internet - and most of the media world - could do without another nude pic of Kim Kardashian, the backlash that Kardashian received is exactly the opposite of what International Women's Day is about.

Moretz's point was simply that Kim should be touting a bigger platform for women than what their bodies can offer; Midler's tweet was simple "slut-shaming."

Whether or not you agree - or, for that matter, LIKE Kim Kardashian - the bigger issue lies in the woman-on-woman crime that continues through social media platforms and hair salon gossip: the idea that a woman's behavior and personal decisions should be dictated by societal expectations and the expectations of the men and women around her.

Kardashian should have every right as a free woman to post whatever she wants to Twitter, even if that happens to be a picture of her naked body. Targeting a naked picture to be seen as promoting the objectification of women and their bodies functions practically the same as "slut-shaming." Saying a woman is not allowed to be proud of, and to flaunt, her body simply because it does not align with your own values and opinions is NOT feminism.

Feminism is the equal treatment of men and women in all aspects of life, whether that be work, home, personal, health, or day-to-day activities.

Three years ago, "Blurred Lines" by Robin Thicke was released and received widespread backlash for its promotion of "rape culture" - model Emily Ratakjowski and other women were shown dancing topless around Robin Thicke and Pharrell in a seemingly gratuitous display of male dominance. Women worldwide felt uncomfortable with the objectification of these women and their place in the subsequent video.

Two years later, self-proclaimed feminist Taylor Swift released her videos for "Style" and "Blank Space," two incredible tracks with equally amazing videos. The latter - "Style" - includes several scenes with a shirtless actor, some of which include Swift herself running her hand sensually down the actor's shirtless back. The former - "Blank Space" - includes several images of a woman creating misery for a man, some of which is seemingly unexplained.

Why is it okay for women to feature shirtless men and scenes that depict abuse against men in media and pop culture, but men are shamed for appreciating or enjoying the naked female form? (Sexual assault, rape, harassment, and unwanted sexual advances aside.)

As a woman, I often consider the opinions of other women over the opinions of other men when it comes to issues of dress, decorum, and behavior; I often feel as if I'm dictated to by the personal values and morals of other women, more than the fear of being objectified or devalued by men.

Most of the men that I know respect women - they find them to be pretty and smart and funny and complicated and intelligent and equals as partners and people in this life and the world. When I wear a revealing shirt or dress around them, I expect the same reaction from them that I would expect from most men anywhere - they appreciate the beauty that is my body but they respect that it is my body and my choice to do and wear what I want.

But, with women, I often find myself second guessing my choice of clothing, my behavior, my decorum, my opinions, and overall the way I appear in public. I have been criticized and shamed by women 75% more often than I have EVER been criticized by men. And that's not to say that I'm innocent - I have sent naked photos on my cellphone, worn questionable outfits, slept with too many people, slept with too many of the wrong people, and acted in otherwise "un-ladylike" ways.

But, here's the kicker: every one of those decisions about my body and how I want it to be displayed and treated - and, myself as a person - has been made by me and me alone.

What Kim Kardashian did by posting a naked selfie to Twitter is no different - she owns her body and the right to do whatever it is she wants with it. Whether it be a sex tape with Ray J, a nude selfie on Twitter, or even choosing to cover every visible part of her body, the choice is hers and hers alone.

International Women's Day should not be about what is right and wrong for one woman but rather, what is right and wrong for ALL women - that means having the right to post naked pics of yourself to the internet without the backlash of other women calling you a "slut" or shaming you into believing you have done something wrong. It means having the right to walk down the street without fear of being raped or kidnapped; it means equal access to reproductive health care and the right to choose what happens to your body medically; it means equal opportunity for education, employment, and pay.

International Women's Day should be about the right of EVERY WOMAN to live her life, love her body, and carry herself in whatever way she so chooses and to have the support of men and women everywhere to do so.