There's a big problem that women face in society today - and I'm not talking about rights or unfair payment or any other problem that feminism focuses on. I'm talking about the incessant need for women to tear down other women for being successful rather than building each other up. Women who title themselves "feminists" claim to want to help women, but in reality, women are the biggest hindrance. Not only have women created a culture in which backhanded compliments and lack of support are normal, but we have spent so much time focusing on gaining help from men that we don't even realize that all we need is each other.

It really has almost become a form of entertainment to watch women lash out at each other; everything has become a competition, but nobody wins. For example, a popular bit in magazines is a section on "Who Wore It Better?" Some people might say, "Oh, well they're praising the woman who wore it the best! Go her!" but what about the other woman? She has just as much right to wear that particular outfit, and she wore it just as well. Why can't we just applaud both women for rocking an awesome ensemble rather than pitting them against each other?

Think of equality as a long, exhausting hike up the tallest mountain you can think of. While it might feel good in the short-term to make it to the peak first, how good will it feel to think of all the people you stepped on along the way? Of all the ones left behind? We are all striving for the same goal- to reach the top of the mountain. Think about how much more efficient and quick the climb will be if we are helping each other along the way, rather than tearing each other down to get ahead.

Let's tone down the snark, and start being grateful for the support system we have. Women automatically have a team to support them; we are all fighting the same battles, so why not fight together? As a strong, supportive team, women are an unstoppable force. A bond built on trust, support, and encouragement can't be broken or worn down. Rather than tearing down successful women, why not join them? If you support them in their journey, you can sure as hell bet they will have your back. Successful women build each other up and create other successful women. Women who belittle the successes of others, tear them down, and demean their accomplishments only take our movement back two steps.

If we want to reach the top, it will only be done together. Teamwork isn't something that coaches just made up to inspire teams; working together is the most reliable, fool-proof way to reach goals; and we're all after the same thing in the end- so why not help each other to the top? The end results will feel so much better knowing that no woman was left behind.