By Stephanie Ruby

Contributor

As a woman living in contemporary American society, I would say I have abundant opportunities. This might seem a bit cliché considering that America is the “land of opportunities,” but it is nevertheless true.

I have the ability to freely pursue both an education and a career. In that career, I have the ability to hold highly respected positions that carry a large amount of responsibility. Everyday, my society is making gender equality more of a reality as campaigns like “HeForShe,” ran by the UN Women, seek to promise worldwide empowerment of women and gender equality.

I see my society looking to build women up – to build me up, to remind me of my worth and to show respect for my sex. Although there are still many women around the world, who face oppression, harassment and disrespect for speaking their minds, I see an America that wishes to be better. However, I will not shelter the fact that many women still undergo these cruel treatments in America but, compared to other countries, America allows me to live life with the freedom to speak, think and be whomever I choose to be under God’s grace. To be an American woman is to have freedom. That, for many, is still only a dream.