Wednesday morning, following the presidential election I woke up to find things plastered to various forms of social media that I was saddened to read. Many viewing the outcome of the election as just another defeat of women. Some people even claiming that the progress that has been made over the last century for powerful women has been for naught. Messages of hopelessness; fearing that the little girls who will be the next generation of women are discouraged beyond repair. I would encourage these women to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. A battle was lost, but don't confuse that with losing the whole war. Women are powerful and will persevere, continuing the work of women from decades past. I know this to be true because I see it all around me.
After seeing attitudes of hopelessness and despair on Wednesday morning, I was reminded of how far women have come, that very night. The Collegiate Association of Women in Business (WIB) was hosting an event, which I attended. The purpose of this event, WIB Con, was to provide insight as to how to "seal the deal" and acquire a job. It was an event organized by young women who truly believe that being a woman in a powerful and sensational thing. I heard from women who have already seen success and were well established in their field. While also hearing from women who were just starting out but determined to show the world just how powerful a woman can be. Both type of speakers exemplifying why the future for strong women is so bright and will only get brighter the more women come together.
The unity of women is a vital part of the rise of women. We see examples of women unifying and making each other better everyday; WIB Con being a prime example. When women come together and truly support each other, the sky is the limit. On Lady Gaga's most recent album Joanne, the unity of women seems to be a prevalent theme. One song in specific "Hey Girl" being the most prominent example. Women helping women is truly the whole essence of the song. One lyric being, "We can make it easy if we lift each other." Gaga's song is yet another example of female empowerment present in our everyday lives.
So to any woman that fears that we have reached a plateau in the fight for female's rights, I would urge them to think twice. As long as there are women dedicated to helping each other on our way up, the fight will never stop. We will continue to break boundaries, we will continue to stick together, we will continue to see progress. The further we are set back, the harder we will push forward. With the inspiring women that I see around me on a daily basis I am confident I will see a female president in my lifetime. I have not lost hope, if anything I now see how important it is to keep hope alive.
