Why Are We Proud to be a Woman?

Some of the She Speaks. writers weigh in on why they’re proud to be a lady on International Women’s Day.

“I’m proud to be a woman because of how far we’ve come, and how hard we work. We endure so much physically and mentally, but we still keep going on. While we have come a long way, we have so much more to go, but our strength and intelligence will bring us there. We are constantly objectified, and oftentimes seen as nothing more than for our beauty, but we overcome and prove we are so much more than our looks. We are brains, hearts, muscles, bitches, mothers, sisters, friends, and queens.”

-“Gloria E.”

“I am proud to be a woman because of how hard we work to ensure our place in the world.  Women have to work twice as hard as men to get to the same place. Yet we still are conquering the world as doctors, politicians, actresses, singers, dancers and so many more.  While women know how to take the brunt of chauvinistic forces, we know when to speak up for our community of fellow women and are able to uplift one another through our commonalities.  Women are strong, women are beautiful, women are the future.”

-“Mary KM.”

“I’m proud to be a woman, and a feminist, because I know I'm part of a movement that has impacted the culture of today and will impact the culture of tomorrow. Being a feminist allows me to embrace my power as a woman and allows other female identifying people to be empowered by themselves and each other. I’m making all the prominent feminist figures in my life proud by being feminist. I'm appreciative to be promoting equality amongst all genders. Being feminist isn’t just being a cisgendered woman. Being feminist isn’t excluding black, latino, hispanic, asian, trans, or poor women. Being feminist isn’t excluding men. Being feminist is being human.”

-“Alice J”

“I am proud to be a woman because I know how strong we are. Centuries of being knocked down, told that we aren’t enough, and being discriminated against has not stopped women around the world, but only made us stronger and more determined. Being a woman means being powerful, being hardworking, and being able to endure all that is thrown at you, all while facing adversity. On International Women’s Day, I am reminded of all the women that have come before me, working to give women that freedom and power we have today. The fight for equality is not over, but being a woman means not stopping until the fight has been conquered. Women are the future, and we will always fight for the future we strive to live in.”

-“Sybil R”

“I am proud to be a woman because I know I always have another woman who stands by me unconditionally. When you are female, you belong to a sisterhood. As women, I think there is definitely a lot of work needed to be done in supporting each other, but there is also so much to celebrate together. We hype each other up in Instagram comments, share our stories of suffering, and even give a girl a tampon or some pain killers when she needs it (because we all know the struggle). I am so thankful to be a part of a community where I know I am not alone with my feelings. There is always another woman who feels for you.”

-“Amelia H.”

Everyday I am reminded how hard it is to be a woman. And everyday I remind myself how grateful I am to be a woman. I am proud to be a woman because of the bond each woman shares with one another. Just knowing that there will always be a bond with a woman no matter where I go gives me comfort and confidence.

“Inez G”

I have immense pride to be a woman because of all the progress we have made as a people. Sure, we have been bogged down by the patriarchy for centuries and have been deemed “weak”, “sluts”, and other derogatory terms. However, it is in being a woman that I am given an outlet to express my true feelings, wants, and desires, and it is only in being a woman that I am surrounded by the sisterhood that I will cherish forever. I am proud to be a woman.

-“Carrie A”