Lifestyle

Girls Compete, Women Empower: Let's Grow Up And Be Women

by Nicole Cottrell
Stocksy

For me, there’s nothing more attractive than independence and intelligence.

And, while those attributes have a concrete place on my male checklist, it’s inspiring to see those traits in women, too.

Often, women are labeled as dependent, domestic and maternal, and while the female anatomy instinctively makes us more suited to these qualities, it’s insulting to assume those qualities are the epitome of the female gender.

Our capabilities stretch far beyond the stereotypical aspirations attached to women. Just because we someday hope for families doesn't mean we don’t strive for successful careers.

And, just because we take pride in our appearances doesn't mean we don’t desire to strengthen our knowledge and excel in something external from ourselves.

Men are, generally, labeled as strong, powerful and emotionally stable (or emotionally detached, from fractions of personal experience), but this doesn't mean women are weak, powerless, psycho bitches. Far from it, in fact.

While we may have an unhealthy obsession with motivational life quotes and advocate for feminism when guys are in our bad books, all we want is to love the lives we live.

We don’t want to be stuck in dead-end jobs and rely on men for confidence, money and self-esteem. We want to be self-proclaimed strong, successful individuals, complete with ambitions we’re determined to achieve.

We want to do something we're proud of.

This doesn't mean we don’t want men to complement our characters and share our achievements; it just means we’re absolutely capable of doing it by ourselves. And, anyone who knocks that outlook should probably take a closer look at his or her own life.

I guess we, sometimes, feel like we have something to prove when women are so often disregarded in the workplace and the world, in general.

With many powerful figures in the world being men, female icons often fade into the background.

And, while I can openly admit each gender is better suited to certain roles, the female capability shouldn't be categorically based on stereotypes.

Speaking of male ignorance (huge generalization, I know), it would be unfair to completely ignore female perspectives. Granted, bitchiness is ingrained into the majority of females, but it's not always malicious bitching, but rather, gossiping and criticism, which is equally as unhealthy.

The bottom line: Girls compete with each other while women empower each other. Instead of being bitter and jealous about what someone else is doing, be proud that other females are doing incredible things and making names for themselves.

What’s the point of claiming females should be equal, yet knocking down those who are seemingly doing better than you?

Just because you aren't on top right now, doesn't mean you never will be. Remember, good things come to those who wait and work hard.

We won’t get anywhere collectively if admiration and support are distant memories. You can always tell who the strong women are because they are the ones you see building one another up, instead of tearing each other down.

Historically, we've fought so hard for equal rights, and while I wouldn't classify myself as an activist, feminist or any other passionate label, I do feel we need to keep moving in a positive direction.

There are so many incredible females I know who have undeniable amounts of creativity, intelligence and potential; it would be a shame to waste time and energy on putting them down.

Let people inspire you to do better — be better, even.

Because, really, the only time a woman is helpless is when her nail polish is drying.