Equality for All

Feminism is a tricky word It can empower Or make others cower These lines can be blurred

Feminism is about being equal Fighting for the rights of all Preventing others from feeling small Learning from the past to prevent a sequel

Before women had no rights They were subjected to men’s plight Anne Boleyn found herself behead A woman was hit for something she said We could not vote We could only dote On the powerful men Until we were beaten again

Our duty was to the home and children Even if our husband was a villain We must be the angel of the house And as timid as a mouse Education, though limited, was sought Women wanted to learn so they fought

These bold women fought in waves Disregarding men’s suggestions on how to behave Susan B. Anthony helped win the vote Women’s suffrage no longer an anecdote Virginia Woolf killed the angel of the house Having the best of both worlds: writing and a spouse Mary Wollstonecraft, an advocate for women’s rights Used her talent for language to fight

The waters were still stormy There was much to be done on this next journey Maya Angelou rose to the challenge The Caged Bird could not be managed Gloria Steinem got women back to work In a professional setting hiding a smirk Alice Walker helped overcome racial hurdles Like in her novel The Color Purple

As things within society progressed Women realized that they could not rest Until every individual was allowed to express Themselves without fear or distress This third wave embraced diversity Just like the twinkling lights in a city Anita Hill would not tolerate Sexual Harassment to this date Rebecca Walker expressed her thoughts Women agreed with her article lots

It’s a 21st Century Breakdown All these men are coming down Sexual harassment and violence Social media breaking the silence Uncovering Everyday Sexism by Laura Bates She exposed these people and did not hesitate Tamika D. Mallory brought in the cavalry The Women’s March gaining notoriety

These women were brave Prepared to go to their grave Beaten, battered, and bruised All of these powerful women refused To be subordinate to others due to their sex When all they wanted was equal rights and respect Marching down the street Fighting for the right to be free As free as any man Because they believe they can

Now, we seem to have conquered Our predecessor’s ideas not squandered We appreciate their sacrifice Realizing everything comes at a price Women’s suffrage and Roe vs. Wade These laws will never abade As long as newer generations aren’t blind Continuing to fight and have their own minds