Image: Chelsi Peter // pexels.com

By: Sarah Hofstedt, CSUN Public Health Intern

It’s International Women’s Day, and the world is celebrating women of all kinds. It is a day for focusing on equality and equity of women. We praise the successes of women thus far, and face the work ahead with determination. I asked the women of ICHWB and Bridge to the Future one question:

If you could tell all the women of America one thing, what would it be? 

And here are their answers (and my own).

Diane: Don’t let the pressures of society erase your true self.

Citlaly: We don’t need men to make us happy. We should be motivating our fellow women, uplifting each other; we are some baddies, and we rule the world!

Kayla: Don’t let anyone stop you from doing what you want to do. I changed my major so many times because I wanted to please my mom, but now I’m studying something I really love, and I’m happier with it than any other major.

Kate: The gender gap is real in STEM fields, but don’t let it scare you away. We need more women in STEM!

Gabby: Education is key. Continue and never give up.

Cassidy: Be yourself. There’s a lot of pressure to fit beauty standards and be the “ideal woman,” but it’s ok to not know what you want or who you are yet. It’s okay to decide not to have children. It’s okay to do things differently. Practice safe sex, and prioritize your own wellbeing. Also, invest in some crystals.

Stephanie: There’s nothing unattractive about a strong woman. But I don’t know anything about women. That’s why I’m single.

Sarah: It’s not your job to please the world. Take care of yourself and the people you love, but forget about making everyone happy. Being “nice” is overrated; strive to be compassionate, bold, patient, loving, curious, communicative, honest; and above all, make your own way.