No matter where you live, the fight for gender equality is an important one. Women should have equal social, political, social, and cultural rights.

Here in America, we have come a long way. Women have many more rights here than they did 100 years ago. Not only can we now vote but we are protected by law in terms of education, birth control, etc. We have come so far and have so much further to go.

Feminism has been and continues to be an extremely influential force, not only in The United States but all over the world. Let's take a look at 3 countries fighting for equality, how feminism has impacted them, and where they are today.

Chile

As one of the most conservative countries in South America, machismo culture is rampant in Chile. Machismo is a concept very common in Latin cultures. It is extremely similar to toxic masculinity in that it upholds certain values that men must have, such as dominance over women and a very high level of traditional manliness. It does not do any good for any group of people.

The current wave of feminism is fighting against sexual violence and discrimination. Many university students march in the streets bringing national attention to the sexual abuse that needs to stop. They also fight for an end to the inequalities in the education system especially and to the sexist curriculum. The movement #NiUnaMenos also encourages more people to bring attention to the topic of gender inequality.

Michelle Bachelet was Chile's first female president and served from 2006-2010 and 2014-2018. As a huge activist for gender equality, she has made leaps and bounds and now serves in the UN.

India

With all kinds of violence against women being a huge issue in India, the most recent wave of feminism is extremely vocal about fighting against it and giving women equality in all aspects. Stories of rape are far too regular in the news and the Indian feminists of today will not stand for it. Groups of people previously afraid to take to the streets are doing it now, and have a lot to say for it.

A particular example is the Gulabi Gang, a group of women based in Uttar Pradesh dressed in pink saris who fight for rural women that may not be able to fight for themselves. Uttar Pradesh, a northern state in India, is one of the most unsafe places for women. Rapes, female illiteracy, dowry killings, kidnappings, etc. are found quite a lot. Though the women of Gulabi Gang are also underprivileged, they have gained a lot of recognition for the difference they have made in the lives of women.

Kenya

Feminism is not nearly as popular in Kenya as it is in other parts of the world but young women are hoping to inspire other women to take more power into their own hands. The 2010 constitution in Kenya gave women more rights but they still sorely underrepresented. However, they are taking strides in the right direction with the new constitution.

Globally, women today are more outspoken than ever before, and it's beautiful. Women being more independent and powerful is one of the best things that can happen. So, let's continue to support one another and progress in the right direction.