To the women of the present and to the women of the future:

We women have been viewed as unequal since the beginning of time. And no, this is not an exaggerated statement, but rather a fact.

In the past, we have been perceived as weak, unintelligent, and unimportant. While living in the shadows of men, many women raised their voices in order to raise these inaccurate perceptions of women. We must thank the women who have helped us get to where we are now and be like role models for the next generation.

Thank you to the Mary Wollstonecraft, who through her work A Vindication of the Rights of Women proved to people that women should be given human and political rights.

Thank you to Harriet Tubman, who escaped slavery and went on to fight for and support the women’s suffrage movement.

Thank you to Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who was a leading figure in creating the women’s suffrage movement.

Thank you to Susan B. Anthony, who started off as a teacher and went on to advocate for women’s rights through her numerous speeches at temperance rallies, even though that was not allowed.

Thank you to Emmeline Pankhurst, who did not stop fighting for what she believed in even after she was arrested, and went on hunger strikes in order to continue her advocacy.

Thank you to Hillary Clinton, who made every girl believe that she can too run for president, and that she can go on to break the glass ceiling.

Thank you to all of the strong, influential women of the past who have brought us to where we are today.

And thank you in advance to the young women of today, who will go on and continue to fight for equality.

As the women of the present and as the women who will go on to raise the future generation of women, it is up to us to stand up for our rights, to stand up for equality, and to stand up for us.

Your Voice: Speak up and do not be afraid to share your opinions. Stand up for what you believe through your words, your actions, and your creativity. Do not think if you should stand up for women’s rights, but rather how to stand up for them. Whether that be going against what a peer says about women, or marching in those pink hats, as the Nike brand saying goes, “Just Do It!”

Your Walk: Walk with your shoulders back, your chin up, and pride in your step. You are confident and strong, so let that be apparent as you march on through history, leaving a path for those to follow.

Your Mind: You are smart and wise, so don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. That whole generalization that girls are “not as smart” as guys is a myth, and nothing more. Girls are just as smart. Since the beginning of the education system, we have been prohibited from learning in schools. However, today we make up more than 50% of the population who graduate with college degrees, we have come far. And we will continue to go even farther.

Your Goal: Stand up for us. Be brave as you say what you feel and do as you please. Remember what those women we thank have done and follow in their footsteps. Lead the way for those who will then go on to follow you. Raise confident young women that will do as you once did. And most importantly, be that courageous and strong woman I know you are.