We’re living in an age where powerful women are leading corporations, companies, politics, and the world news. It’s pretty apparent that women are taking long strides towards overall equality and empowerment. However, there is still a common misconception that, since the treatment and viewing of women have grown so far in areas like the United States, advocating feminism is unnecessary.
Feminism isn’t just about the extremes. It’s about equality amongst all sexes. It’s about empowering women and girls.
Being a human is hard. We will never reach a time when empowering others is overrated or unnecessary. Often, the ones who are hardest on girls are other girls themselves. It’s the nature of humankind and, possibly, the end product of jealousy and competition. If we are degrading or cutting down other women, how are we ever to hope that men won’t do the same to our friends, mothers, and daughters? In honor of International Women’s History Month, try out some of these suggestions to celebrate and empower the women around you. Human decency and kindness go a long way. Sometimes, all that we need is a conscious reminder that we have the power to create happiness in others.
1. Make eye contact with a stranger and smile.
2. If you like someone’s shoes, tell them. They’ll be happy that you didn’t just keep it to yourself.
3. Compliment their laugh.
4. Really listen when they speak. Ignoring someone who’s talking to you is a sure way to make them feel inferior.
5. Text your friend when you see something that reminds you of them and tell them about it.
6. Remind someone about what they are good at.
7. Take pictures of them when they look their happiest and make sure to show them.
8. Ask them about their day. Sometimes, just hearing that someone cares creates a stronger bond.
9. Encourage people when they talk about things that are important to them, regardless of how un-interesting it might be to you.
10. Compliment their brain. Remember what interests them, what they know a lot about, or what makes them excited.
Above all, let’s just be kind.
