I want to preface this article by saying I in no way have any background in any of this, I am just speaking from experience in my own life, and in the lives of those I care deeply for.
Recently, my eyes have completely opened to the fact that as a country and as a world, in general, we are still not even close to where we should be with equality, especially gender equality.
I have taken a little break from writing articles due to feeling a little self-conscious about what people were thinking or saying. But it has taken me two weeks, and some great friends, to realize that I am lucky enough to be able to have a voice that can be heard, and I need to use it.
I have some very strong women in my life, and to see the different things they have had to go through, I realized something needs to be said.
As women, we are not nearly close enough to the equality we are striving for.
I live in fear that one of my friends will be treated badly solely due to their gender, and it truly makes me feel the tiniest bit comfortable in this world when I notice my friend speaking out against the wrong that has been inflicted on them.
Friends of mine have experienced a lot throughout their lives, as have I. Some things are very hard to not just walk away from and never speak about again, but it takes a strong woman to stand up for herself and other women.
My close-knit group of friends from high school has been those strong independent women who have stood up for what they believe in, and for that, I am so proud to call them my best friends.
To show that our voices need to be heard.
I have never been one to speak out about my opinions on matters such as gender equality, but it has gotten to the point where if no one says anything there will be absolutely no change.
I will continue to support and cherish all of the amazingly strong women in my life who have fought so hard to be as successful as they are today.
I hope that each and every one of them gets the courage to speak up and that their friends do as well. Helping all women voice their opinions will make a better world.