I don’t know about you, but as a woman I sometimes can’t help but to feel inferior when it comes to men in the workplace or classroom. Men make more than women, and more often then not, they get the promotions and accolades from our bosses and teachers.

I’m a firm believer of equality. I believe that everyone is equal and that everyone should be treated as such. However, there are still those people out there that believe that women are inferior to men.

I was recently in class and my professor asked a question to the guys and then the girls. The question was, “Do you want to get a job that will support yourself and your family?” Of course, all of the guys raised their hands. When he asked the girls the same question I was the only one to raise my hand.

I was shocked that I was the only woman in the room that wanted a good enough job to support herself and her future family. And it got me thinking—are there women out there who are afraid or don’t feel like they can support themselves? So, here is my call to women and men everywhere.

Women: do not let anyone make you feel inferior. Do not be afraid to support yourself or your family. I’m not saying that it is a bad thing to want your husband or significant other to provide for you or your family. What I am saying is, don’t be afraid. Life happens and heaven forbid something happens to your significant other. They lose their job, they are in a horrible accident and can’t work—or worse, die. You will need to be ready to support yourself and family. You can do it.

Men: do not put women, or others, down for wanting to support them. Do not be afraid to take the backseat if your woman is kicking ass and wants to bring home the bacon. Lastly, do not feel inferior to the strong women in your life, and don’t make them feel inferior. What I’m saying here is, is that it is OK if you and your significant other bring in two separate incomes. Then, when life happens, you will be stable. As women, we appreciate a man with a good job, we want our men to have ambition, but don’t feel threatened if your woman is the same way.

I will leave you today with a quote from Eleanor Roosevelt, “No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.” If we, as a society, want to strive for equality, the first step is to not make each other feel inferior.