I find myself being intrigued by the force of soft-spoken women.

It’s easy to look at a strikingly bold woman, a force to be reckoned with, a woman who is so fiercely captivating that you can physically see others reacting to her, and be in awe. Eyes wide open, people lean in towards her, making sure not to miss out on one word the appointed key-note speaker of every conversation says. Producing laughter and thought, she has the ability to influence others by simply existing in her authentic state.

Things like, “I wonder how she became brave,” “I wonder if I could ever be so fearless,” and, “I wonder if I could ever be like her” are thoughts popping into the minds of all she may interact with.

The quiet women, however, are often underrated as being meek. Mild in manner and soft in speech, these ladies can easily be overlooked as timid. In a time when feminism is finally a conversation and women’s rights and roles are finally becoming priorities in life and legislation, these women may mistakenly be labeled as passive and apathetic to the fight for women's equality. Looking at history, there is no doubt that these assumptions are not only ignorant but simply false.

Rosa Parks changed the course of history by denying the demand of an unjust society. Eleanor Roosevelt used her voice to fight for civil rights and the equality of the oppressed. Audrey Hepburn, while praised for her beauty and charm, was much more than a pretty face being named a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador and recipient of the Children’s Champion Award, relentlessly being a voice for those who were often left unheard. Emma Watson uses her gift of language to inspire and teach anyone who will listen of the strength of her fellow women, working to promote girl’s education, women’s equality and feminism with elegance and poise.

These are all women who have made a difference; all women who fought for justice; all women who proved that you don’t have to scream to be heard. These women remain constant reminders that personality doesn’t define strength. That sometimes the "quiet ones" limit their speech so when they speak they truly say something.

While being bold is a blessing that can truly foster change and justice in a society that desperately needs both, I want to encourage my fellow women to see the strength is those whose fight may be one they battle in what seems like indifference. I encourage my fellow women to appreciate the bold while recognizing the difference between the silent and the resilient.

I encourage my fellow women to balance strength and grace and to appreciate it in others.