Let's be honest, 2018 was the year women lit a fire and truly started to come together as a force to be reckoned with. While we have come along way, we have so much further to go.

Women have almost always been considered inferior to men; we are considered too emotional, too sensitive; too bossy when in reality, women are far more capable than we are given credit for. Women are strong, powerful, daring, fearless, and deserve to use their voices to challenge things they do not believe in without being looked down upon. Women deserve to be heard, but this article isn't called men supporting women.

In a world where the odds are pinned against women, I am tired of seeing women not supporting other women. Frankly, it's disgusting how quick women can turn on each other over the smallest things. Women are constantly told that they cannot do what they want, cannot be what they want, and cannot say what they want. Honestly though, how can we demand the respect of men, if we, as women are not showing respect for each other.

There is nothing I believe in more than girl power. When women come together, incredible things start to happen and it's about time we start acting like a team rather than opponents.

This past weekend I came across an Instagram post that was posted by a woman on my college campus. Her caption voiced a mocking statement towards a group of women on the same campus, and the comments from other women praising her "funny" caption were downright disgusting. Women should be building each other up, no matter the differences, morals, values, or anything else for that matter. We rise by lifting others, and constantly tearing other women down isn't going to get us anywhere. Not to mention speaking negatively about other women makes your insecurities shine bright and is always so embarrassing in the long run.

We, as women, should be not be in competition. Praise women for achieving their goals and chasing their dreams. Celebrate women for getting that internship and securing that job. Encourage women for acing their exams and scoring a date with that boy or girl. After all, empowered women empower women and it's the only way we are going to continue to pave the path for our daughters and our daughter's daughters.

Selena Kinder, founder of Empowering Women Now said, "I wish more women realized that helping another woman win, cheering her on, praying for her, or sharing a resource with her, does NOT take away from the blessings coming to them. In fact, the more you give the more you receive. Empowering women does not come from selfishness, but rather selflessness." This quote rings truer every time I see or hear a woman tearing down another woman. You can tell who the strong women are, they are the ones you see building up one another instead of tearing each other down and another woman's successes, beauty, and intelligence does not symbolize the absence of your own. Help women win and never stop cheering them on.

It's time that women start supporting women. Radiate positivity, strength, encouragement, and hold the women in your life extra tight. It's not easy, but once we start showing some respect for each other, we can demand the respect of everyone. Light the fire inside you and join together, women are a force to be reckoned with and it's time to make some changes.