From the moment that Donald Trump was elected and sworn in as the 45th president of the United States on January 20th, 2017, women across the country have united to fight against the patriarchy.

While various female groups were present before Donald Trump became president, more and more women have become engaged in the issues that the Republican party has attacked. From planning to defund Planned Parenthood to supporting sexual predators like Roy Moore, the Republican Party has energized thousands of females across the country to really take an interest in following politics and take a stand.

The voice of women has been heard through not only the Women’s March but other various protests, and especially through #MeToo, where thousands of women came forward about their experiences with sexual misconduct by others.

These actions were, and continue to be, a way in which the voices of females cannot be ignored.

Aside from just following politics through different news outlets and social media platforms, many women are immersing themselves in the political world. According to CNN, “women are running for office in record numbers...with more than 22,000 women contacting the organization [Emily’s List] since Trump was elected.”

Take Adrienne Bell, a former elementary school teacher from East Texas, for example. Before the Trump administration, Bell never would have thought about running for a higher position than a seat in her city council.

“It is time to rebuild our communities, invest in our infrastructure, and stand firm in our future.”

That statement is one of the various platforms in which Bell believes in and is why she is running for Congress. While her decision to run did not come until after Trump was elected, Bell’s campaign, as well as many other female candidates campaigns, stem from the increase in political interest to really taking action.

Even California Senator Dianne Feinstein believes that 2018 will be another “Year of the Woman.” Elected in 1992 alongside various other female candidates, Senator Feinstein says that what she means is “we have an opportunity to really turn this next year into a year of change affecting women.”

Recently, I wrote an article titled, “#MeToo Is A Trend, Not A Movement,” but I should have simply titled it, “My Issues With #MeToo." While I stand by my statement that the hashtag will just be a hashtag and a symbol of solidarity among women, if actual change is brought as a result of the hashtag, then yes, it is most certainly a movement.

To all the women, and men, who have supported the rights of women and who are fighting against the Trump administration, I, and thousands of other females, thank you. Thank you to those who marched and protested. Thank you, to the Silence Breakers. Thank you for standing in solidarity with one another, giving so many of us a voice and a chance to be heard. 2018 will be our year.

Together empowered, together we empower others.