A Revolutionary Soul Force: women

I am a woman in modern society. In a sense the curation of this project is an answer to the question What is it like to be me? But my experience is not all encompassing and I need to validate the strengths and struggles of the women around me. With my collection of images I have tried to capture the multifaceted meaning of Being a Woman.

Being a woman means there are tremendous challenges to face and burdens to bear. There are also enormous joys. This poem is first because I absolutely truly believe Hanna's words. Women have the power to change the world. And I want every girl in the world to know the power she possesses.

I typed this poem on my mothers old typewriter and it hangs near my bedroom door. I read it everyday.
(poem by Kathleen Hanna)

Beyonce's Instagram post congratulating Serena Williams on her pregnancy. The most influential female artist in the world recognizing the best female tennis player in the world. Motherhood is still valued and a beautiful thing. Both of these women are models for successful women, and now they are mothers too. If you don't think you can do it all, try breaking world records along the way too.
(photo by beyonce)

A quote from Rebecca Solnit's book Men Explain Things to Me: "Men explain things to me, still. And no man has ever apologized for explaining, wrongly, things that I know and they don't. Not yet, but according to the actuarial tables, I may have another fortysomething years to live, more or less, so it could happen. Though I'm not holding my breath." Well said.  (photo from Kastor & Pollux)

Hillary Rodham Clinton during the Presidential debate, with Donald Trump creeping close behind her shoulder. No matter how far you have come, or how powerful you are or what important things you have to say, an ugly face of a man will be close behind and criticizing your every move. Clinton has dealt with this all of her career and remains a strong political figure and idol for women.
(photo from CNN)

This woman's protest sign speaks to the nature of society. Women are constantly being told what to do or wear or say. For centuries society has been conditioned to believe that women are weak, vulnerable beings and subject to the aggressive, vulgar "involuntary" desires of men. Thousands of rape cases in the US are blamed on the victims, often women.
(photo from AFP) 

Women's March on Washington. These hats show unity for gender equality. Being a woman means fighting for equality for all. Equal rights for women means equal rights for all. Women in this photo demonstrate a powerful force for change and community.
(photo from New York Times)

This is a photo of a professional skier and ice climber, with her newborn twins. She consistently demonstrates, on social media, how her life in the dangerous great outdoors is possible and synonymous with the gifts of motherhood.
 A woman's life is her own and it is not limited!
(photo from majka burhardt)

A collage my friend made. "Hell hath no fury like women who know what they want" Once again, women are powerful beings capable of anything they set their mind to.
(photo from madeline ohaus)

Graphic to show the pay gap between men and women today. supposedly they can reach the same goals, but it is much easier and straightforward for men to achieve these career goals than women. The challenge is due to society's beliefs that a woman does not belong in the place men typically have been.
(photo from UK news)

Feminism means fighting for the rights of all humans. It does not mean that men are hated or less than women. But women need to be able to achieve the same things men can. We are all human and all capable of amazing things. Let's not limit this.
(photo from LWD)

This digital poster features a woman with a girl on her shoulders, their fists raised in the air. Being a woman means taking responsibility for women's rights and taking action to make change. There is so much hate and inequality in society, but change is possible. Women constitute half of the population of the world and can have a powerful voice if we speak out.

(image from Womens March instagram)

These ladies have made me feel grateful to be a woman. They are courageous loving leaders with a sense of their worth and those around them. They are in touch with something larger than themselves, and they have taught me that being a woman means being strong, happy, and giving and showing love to the people and the universe that surrounds us. I love this photo because we are so dirty (no showers for 9 days) and we are so happy.
(photo from me)