As a woman, I have heard over and over that I'm not as valuable as my male counterparts simply because of my reproductive systems.

While it's true that in today's society we are becoming more and more equal, it isn't hard to find examples of this same type of thinking every day.

We are smart. We can be doctors and scientists, tomorrow's leaders and today's, and we were most likely the leaders of yesterday too. I know people say that behind every strong man is a strong woman, but I'm arguing that next to every strong woman is another strong woman.

We have now entered the time of building each other up, of coming together as a group of proud women to support and propel each other forward. Your stereotypes of cat fights or pettiness are out of style and outdated: We will not be manipulated into turning on each other. Because real women understand that when one of us succeeds, we all do.

Feminism isn't a bad word, and it doesn't mean that I'm a man-hater: It means that I demand to be treated equally to men and that we deserve that equality. Because when one group of society grows, all groups grow too, whether they know it or not.

Now I'd like to address my girl gang, the courageous women who are exactly what this article describes. I know I've written to you before, but that's because this is simply not said enough: Thank you.

Thank you for reminding me in a world of inauthentic expectations of size-2 bodies that I'm my most beautiful when I am naturally me.

Thank you for never labeling me as emotional, dramatic or bossy, but instead listening to me as I vent and helping me come up with great solutions to whatever problem I'm facing.

Thank you for nurturing me and encouraging me to grow. You call me out when I make mistakes, but you always want what's best for me.

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. #GirlPower forever and always.