Women Owning Their Power

So, I know that feminism has not really survived. I am old enough to remember and think a lot of things got left by the side when feminism died. I just saw on the tv news that women still earn 74% of what a male earns. Now, we have so many advancements and women in powerful positions, but we still earn less and for many women, they are accepting of that. Women have been acculturated to believe in the United States that it is okay to earn less than men.

Now, I'm not an angry person about this. I would like to see things change, and sometimes it takes those who are angry to change them.
Because the reality is, there are many single women raising children, buying houses, cars, paying the bills and why should they earn less because they are female. I also know of many men who avoid paying any child support and so the woman is on her own. Again, receiving less pay.

So, what can we women do? We can expect more because we deserve more than 74% of the males. We can see ourselves as equal to the males. Again, there is a difficulty when you are a mom and raising children and do not have the same time to commit to a job. And this is where one of the problems arises. I know it was true for me. Actually, my husband and I decided to have me stay home with children and we planned and could afford it. So I had 2 children and on the day of a job interview, I found out I was pregnant. And when that child was 1, my husband decided to go elsewhere. So, now I had been out of the workforce for 6 years and did not know what I was going to do or where any money was going to come from - I was truly at his mercy for the time being. Luckily, he supported his children. I found a job, etc. but I still felt raising the children and giving them my best was more important than giving my job the best I had. I guess I really tried to give them both 100% and that's not possible.

So, those situations put us in a position of powerlessness. So, even though I was a college graduate, intelligent, had credit, I was stuck for that time frame. Remember, I had a 1 year old also.









So, I do believe women do need to take care of themselves even though they might be in relationships that will "last forever." Suppose your partner dies or leaves. What does that do to you? Do you know what's going on? Do you have a positive credit rating? Is your name on the house and cars, etc.? Do you have say in what goes on financially in your world?

Having power in your world is about having knowledge and skills. Don't be afraid (okay, be afraid but move forward anyway). Keep your eyes open. Know that you deserve the best also. If you plan to stay home for a time, talk with your partner about how that will look financially. Don't put yourself in a position of having to ask for money - you can both receive a set amount of money for spending - you should not have to ask if you can buy something for yourself. I'm not saying overspend. If it's as simple as $25./paycheck for each of you to spend however you want, then so be it. You don't have to confirm it with anyone. Neither does he.

Demand more shared duties at home so you are not always burned out after work and taking care of the children and cooking. Plan - verbalize - share ideas on how to equalize and make it happen. Many do not follow through. Perhaps Dad gets a night out, but so does Mom.

I think if we regain or keep our power on a conscious level for ourselves and at home, it will come out elsewhere. If you believe and are treated equally at home, you will expect it at work, and vice versa.
It is also good to teach your daughters this.

Keep in mind that you, as a female, can do anything you want. I believe it. Sometimes it's very, very hard, but the end result is worth it - belief in self.