I love having two X chromosomes. It’s fun! But, that second X chromosome makes me experience life differently than other humans, both physically and socially. I bleed once a month. Women make $0.70 to every $1 a man earns. That figure goes down $0.64 solely because you are a black woman. It goes down to $0.40 because I am a Latina. This sucks and it’s a real problem. But, my experience doesn’t compare to the pain most of the women all over the world suffer. So, I feel undeserving to be congratulated on this day. Particularly, on posts that focus on women’s beauty and weight. International Women’s Day is not to further feed into the culture that evaluates women on their physical appearance. No. It’s a day to stand in solidarity with women all over the world. So I say on International Women’s Day, remember:

The 62 million girls who are denied an education all over the world.

The 4 out of the 5 victims of human trafficking that are girls.

125 million girls who are affected by Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

Saudi Arabian women who aren’t allowed to drive.

congratulate me on International Women’s Day. Instead, stand in solidarity and with respect. Make changes within your communities.
Make a change with your male-centric language. Make a change with how you treat others. Let’s stop asking for equality. Let’s practice it.
Cheers to ovaries,
Carmen