"Power can be taken, but not given. The process of the taking is empowerment in itself."
-Gloria Steinem
We don't need experts with Ph.D's and daytime television talk shows to tell us how to live our lives. Women have always learned from other women. We need to share our stories and experiences and believe in ourselves and each other. If we want to get to equality, it's women who will have to lead the way.
Our world is filled with inspiring women from all walks of life from every economic and ethnic background. These women have overcome seemingly impossible difficulties and have the vision to follow their passions and dreams into uncharted territory. Most important of all they have the strength and courage to say no to the things and people that do not serve them.
I am grateful to the generations of women that helped strengthen and empower us. Now, we must carry on their work and continue to liberate ourselves, own our power and have control over our own lives.
Today is the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day. Are we equal yet? Until the answer is that opportunity is not distributed in our chromosomes we can never stop forging forward. We must concentrate on creating the new woman liberated from stereotypes.
Someday soon we will no longer apologize for being a woman.
