Definition Essay: The Misconceptions Of Being A Woman

We are women. But what does “woman” mean? Does it mean weak and emotional? Does it mean sexy and beautiful? Does it mean scared and in need of men? Does it mean household chores all day long? No. None of this is right. Being a woman means being strong and kind. Being a woman means being able to go out into the world and thrive. Being a woman means appreciating who they are, not needing other people’s opinions. Being a woman means being the exact opposite of the stereotype we are stuck with that says we must be beautiful. We must have perfect hair and matching clothes. We must be dressed in short skirts and tight shirts. These misconceptions can be incredibly dangerous. Women have kicked butt in this world for generations. We are so lucky

According to US News and World Report, shampoo and conditioners marketed to women cost almost 50% more than men’s product. Female jeans cost 10% more, girls bikes and scooters cost 6% more (Taylor). In fact, did you know that women still make just 78 cents for every dollar made by men? So not only do we make less, but we pay more. “Women, who statistically already make less money than men on average, may pay a premium for items marketed to them simply because they aren’t aware of this difference” (Taylor 3). In fact, this phenomenon is so common, there is actually a name for it. It’s called the “Pink Tax,” which means that women not only make less, but pay more than

We must take action. No longer will we put up with the gender pay gap and the Pink Tax. No longer will we put up with limiting gender stereotypes. No longer will we put up with women working unpaid hours when they can be out there changing the world for the better. We will no longer put up with discrimination against women. Malala Yousafzai was riding a bus home from school one day, when the bus stopped, the door whipped open, and a man shot her twice in point blank range. And guess what? She survived and went on to continue fighting for girls’ rights, even winning the Nobel Peace Prize. She said, “We cannot succeed when half of us is held back.” Our world needs equality for women. We need women like Michelle Obama, Malala Yousafzai, Harriet Tubman, Claudette Colvin, Mother Teresa, Eleanor Roosevelt, Abby Wambach who all stood up for what they believed--whether it was from sports to social issues. When women stand up for what they believe in, the entire world grows