I did not call myself a feminist until now. Now meaning after the 2016 Presidential Election. I think everyone can agree on one thing, this was a tiring, rollercoaster of an election. And I, for one, am pretty glad it is all over and done with. But it is the outcome that has left this country divided. I will come out and say it first and foremost, I was not a Trump supporter. I was also not a Hillary supporter, but I was not opposed to having the first female president becoming elected. The U.S. population has voted and the outcome is the outcome and I have accepted this outcome and prefer not to dread on it anymore. However, during this election, I became a feminist. Realistically speaking, the majority of females are feminist in the sense that we want equal rights, payment and the right to vote, which we attained with the Women’s Suffrage Movement in the 1920s. I believe that females and males should be looked on as equals, especially in the 21st century. We should be more knowledgable. Many powerful females hold high power positions, and thus, we do not need to prove to the world that we are deserving of equality. Or do we?
I would like to point out that Hillary Clinton should not have won solely on the basis of her gender. It should be entirely based on her credentials and qualifications. But what did this election season make painfully clear to all females? It was a sign of hope. A Woman could hold the most powerful position in our government and in our country. That would be a badge of honor for all women to hold. It would maybe mean a push to equality in the workplace. Maybe even more laws and protections for women’s rights, and against sexual assault, which has been on the rise. It was a movement that ultimately led to the 19th Amendment and granted us women the right to vote. The right to have our voices heard. A right that would increase our independence.
There was a movement behind Trump supporters called #RepealThe19th. Again this is the Amendment that grants us the right to vote. That gave a purpose to Susan B. Anthony and all the women that fought for women suffrage and rights many years ago. One Amendment that I was shocked women were supporting. Especially in the year 2016.
But even though we did not get that female candidate to win the presidency, women should not stop fighting. I believe one day we will live in a world free of sexism. A women will no longer have to fear walking alone at night. I have faith that our government will do what is right and continue to fight for women's rights.
