Opinion: Are Millennial Women Changing the World?
Updated: Apr 12, 2019
Representation is key, and seeing working-class women of color, in some of the most admirable positions, will only encourage more millennial women to make a change too.
Following the news for the past few years has been, well, disheartening, to say the least. However, recently there’s been a new wave of hope and refreshing shift that's taking over the world of politics and activism - millennial women.
You need not be a historian to know that Women, in general, have historically been instrumental and often times vital to social change - Despite gender bias and other inherent obstacles they face and overcome.
That being said, the increase in millennial women from all backgrounds, making positive changes in such a tumultuous time is nothing short of inspiring.
Even today, in the West, women still face discrimination in many aspects of daily life. Women must still contend with discrimination in wellness, health, education, salary, etc. Rhonesha Byn, the founder of HerAgenda.com, recognized the lack of women in powerful positions around the world, and actively set about trying to make a difference. How did she do this? In the most millennial way possible - through a digital media platform.
Her Agenda not only highlights the accomplishments of women, but it also publishes information on how other women can achieve the same, whether that’s through resources, internships, and/ or events.
Similarly, Amani Alkhat set up her own digital platform to help draw positive awareness to Islam, the Qur’ans message, and the media’s skewed perception of Muslims. She set this up from her bedroom in high school.
Now, she works with the White House to educate women about misconceptions of Islam and what it really means to be a Muslim. Her online digital magazine publishes fact-based articles about the worldwide Muslim community.
Then, of course, we have the CEOs and founders of non-profit organizations. Like, Christen Brandt of She’s the First, which provides scholarships to girls in low-income countries.
Erin Loos, the co-founder, and CEO of She Should Run, a social change organization that aims to increase the number of women in public office leadership roles.
Hollis Heath, the program manager of Hip Hop 4 Life, an organization that gives youth from lower-income communities the chance to combat the challenges they face.
Obviously, we have to mention Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, the millennial Representative (D-NY 14th District), who has already shaken American politics to its core. Not only did she win against a veteran, but she’s also become a symbol of the pressing popularity of democratic socialism among millennials.
Her speech on climate inaction went viral, with many praising her as being one of the most authentic, passionate and caring politicians at the moment.
Over in the UK, we just have to mention Mhairi Black, the Scottish MP is known for her fiery, honest and articulate speeches that are changing the face of British politics. All these millennial women are passionately making a change, that doesn’t revolve around money, but more social change and making the world a better place for everybody.
Now, girls and women can see their dreams as attainable. Everywhere they look, they’ll see a young woman that is either living their dreams or making progress towards their goals and ambitions, so, they can feel like they can achieve anything.
Representation is key, and seeing working-class women of color, in some of the most admirable positions, will only encourage more millennial women to make a change too.
Let’s hear it out for the “average” millennial woman too. You might not have millions making their way to your blog, or a world-wide known organization but you’re making a change, and that’s enough. Whether it’s setting up a club in your home town, or building a blog to talk about issues - you are care about.