Diego Burciaga

Growing up, my father was always the head of the household. My mother would take care of the cooking and the cleaning, my father would take care of all the bills.

My parents attempted to raise me the same way in thinking that the man should take care of his woman and make all decisions. I do agree that a man should help provide for his own, however I disagree in the man having control over all situations.

I choose to go to school, work and do extra curricular activities that will benefit me in my career. I believe an appealing woman is a woman with the ambition of helping others through her wisdom.

Women should be guaranteed equality and respect in every part of the world. We are ambitious and many of us work over time just to make a living and raise more than one child at the same time. We are often portrayed as weak and unknowledgeable, but in my opinion, if a woman can give birth to a human being, a woman can do anything.

In April of this year, a terror group called Boko Haram abducted nearly 300 young women in Northeastern Nigeria from their school board.

Boko Haram terrorists strongly disagree with women’s education and believe it is a “sin.” Michelle Obama brought significant attention to the issue, starting a campaign called “Bring back our girls.” Although it did not happen locally, I was heartbroken when I found out about the problem.

Every woman should be granted access to higher education. Many women have inspired me, women who are not just a pretty face, but who are also educated and have made a difference for our generation.

Young girls look up to Kim Kardashian, Beyonce and other celebrities that have not contributed in making a change; they have simply become famous through their looks and showcasing performances.

Oprah Winfrey came from a tough childhood, she overcame her obstacles and today she is know for the numerous achievements—one of the many was her honorary Doctors of Laws degree from
Harvard University.

She empowers women to be the best they can be, and not let anything shut them down, especially a man. Women have a voice and that voice should be heard, not hid by all
the stereotypes.

Emma Watson, is not only a celebrity with an English degree from Brown University, she is a Goodwill Ambassador for U.N. Women.

She launched a new campaign called “HeForShe,” which is a solidarity movement that endows men and women to work together and share a commitment to fight for equality.

She delivered an inspirational speech on Sept. 20 in front of the U.N.

“I think it’s right that I am getting paid the same as my male counter parts. I think it is right that I should make my own decisions about my body,” she said in her speech.

She enforces that women should be involved in the policies that will affect our lives. She also mentions how, not only women suffer from inequality, but so do men.

Men don’t want to act sensitive because, according to society, they don’t want to seem weak to others.

“If men don’t have to control, women don’t have to be controlled,”
she said.

Feminism is not just a word, it contains the meaning of ambition, freedom and empowerment.

Kimberly Valle may be reached at [email protected].