Helen Storms

Seven Foolproof Steps to Building a Better World Helen Storms Are you better off now than you were four years ago? This iconic question posed by President Ronald Reagan in 1980 has been used by many politicians and activists throughout the years. When asking this question, President Reagan was speaking of economic factors, job growth, and income wages. However, this inquiry is still very much relevant today when looking at the development and changes our world as a whole has undergone in the past several decades. Many would agree that women today are better off than they were in the past in terms of equal rights and opportunity. Nevertheless, they are still a long way away from being equal to men. There are approximately 7.442 billion people in the world, about 50% of which are women. These women fall into a four different races composed of around 30 diverse subgroups each. Although they may be from entirely different backgrounds and cultures, each of these women possess the capability of contributing to positive change all around the globe. Take for example, the strength of a young Pakistani woman by the name of Malala Yousafzai. At only 17 years old, Malala became the youngest person ever to receive a Nobel Prize. She received this award because of her self-less and courageous choice to defend the value of girls’ education despite the threat of a violent death. Even after being shot in the head by the Taliban, Malala refused to give up her fight to ensure girls receive equal opportunity. Many of us have far less at risk than our own lives, but do we fight with the same fortitude and valor as Malala? In 2018 we’ve seen what women can do. They can fly planes, fight for their countries, and even develop new ways to treat life-threatening diseases. What more could they do given the chance and resources to truly reach their potential? As there are 7 continents on the globe, each filled with unique, hardworking and talented women, it is fitting to examine seven foolproof steps at creating a world where females can thrive. 1.) Give women a platform with which to speak. For years women have been silenced from speaking their minds. Today, they are still many women who are told that because of their gender, their opinions are not of value. We need to fight to ensure that all women, in all walks of life and in any geographical location have the resources necessary for their voice to be heard. 2.) Fight the gender wage gap. According to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, women make only 80.5 cents for every dollar earned by men, despite the fact that women are statistically more likely to earn college degrees and make up half of the work force. 3.) Support and encourage women in government. Running for office as a female comes with hurdles that men are less likely to face. As we have observed from recent major elections, female politicians are scrutinized in the media over much more than their political beliefs. They are forced to undergo comments about their dress, weight, demeanor and parental skills. These pressures can be enough to turn women away from going after a place in office. By supporting and encouraging women to stand up for their political beliefs, we can empower more future female leaders. 4.) Share stories of female empowerment to inspire others. With today’s technology it is much easier to connect with others around the globe. By creating group forums and other supportive spaces where women of different cultures can learn from another, a greater respect and understanding of our differences can be fostered. There are women doing fantastic things around the globe. By utilizing social media to share their stories, more women can be inspired to make a difference. 5.) Allow women an opportunity to achieve high profile positions in the work force. Women are often underestimated in their professions, given less role of leadership. They deserve an equal opportunity to prove their aptitude in their professions. 6.) Change the stigma around women’s employment. Today women are the main breadwinners in half of American families. Nevertheless, they are still fighting the stigma that they must choose between their families and their careers. Many companies don’t allow for adequate maternity leave, forcing mothers to quit their jobs in order to care for their newborns. Not only do we need to work to protect the rights of working mothers, but we also need to dissolve the untrue stigmas that surround them. 7.) Teach girls and young women of their value. Perhaps most vital, we must work to raise young women who know their worth. No little girl should feel that she is less capable of changing the world because of her gender.