Before anyone starts saying "being a feminist is stupid, it's 2019, women obviously get treated the same," just think about how both, men and women get treated throughout the world. After thinking about it, do you still think men and women get treated equally? As a woman, I'll say we don't get treated equally, which is something that should not go unnoticed. Some people might say, "of course you don't think men and women get treated equally, you're a woman, you just want something to cry about." Well if that's what you want to think then go ahead and think that, but I am a firm believer in full equality for all, and I will fight for the equality women deserve.

When I openly speak about being a feminist, some males around me automatically roll their eyes. I ask them why they do that, and they all say the same thing, which is that feminism is ridiculous. Why is it that more males than females say that? It's because men are blinded by the privilege they are automatically given, simply because they were born male. They are able to avoid things such as the glass escalator/elevator, the glass ceiling, lower wages, being judged by wearing certain outfits, their sports being poorly funded or not being taken seriously, etc.

Now, I'm not here to give a lesson on gender inequality, but I am here to speak about why I am a feminist. I am a feminist because I believe that no man is better than me or any other woman in this world. I also believe that no woman is better than any man in this world. We are all equal! No one is better than anyone, and I don't understand why some people have such a hard time comprehending that. I am also a feminist because I want to be respected just as a man gets respected. I don't want to have to worry about not being taken seriously just because I am a female. I don't want to have to worry about not getting a job because I am female. I could go on and on about why I am a feminist, but those are just a few reasons to why I am one.

Some people talk so badly about feminism and feel that it is unnecessary for someone to call themselves a feminist. Some people that say that, don't even realize that they are actually feminists themselves. If you are unsure about whether you are a feminist or not, then answer these three questions. Do you think the wage gap between males and females is unfair? Do you think women should be able to wear what they want to wear, without having to worry about a man sexualizing her for it? Do you think men and women should be able to have the same jobs? If you said yes to those questions, then guess what! You are a feminist!

The reason why it is important to be a feminist and be open about it is because it shows that people are aware of the unequal treatment between men and women. If no one is open about being a feminist or does not bring attention to the topic, then nothing in this world will change for women. Women have gained many rights throughout the past 100 years, but you know why? It's because women spoke up about wanting equal rights. How do you think women were given the right to vote? A bunch of men didn't just get together and say "hey let's give women the right to vote." Women got together and brought attention to how unfair it was to only allow men to make the decisions in the world, and something was finally done about it.

To any woman who says she's not a feminist, I have a feeling that they are one, but don't realize it. There is nothing wrong with saying you want to be paid the same amount as a man who is doing the same thing as you, or saying you want to be able to wear whatever you want, without having to worry about being sexualized for it. Don't be afraid about speaking up for your rights! Be open about what you believe in because you might be able to make a difference in this world. Oh, and shout out to all the men in the world who are open about being feminists!