Since the beginning of what we call civilization, when men's dominance over women was firmly established. Until the present day, our history has been marred with oppression of and brutality to women.

We need to end this system of male domination, known as patriarchy, in all its forms, both subtle and overt. This cannot occur unless women's voices are heard. Democracy cannot work without equality for women, which means equal participation and representation.

It took an extraordinary and ongoing fight over 72 years for women to win the right to vote.

However, the Equal Rights Amendment, first introduced in 1923, has still not been ratified after nearly 100 years.. Equality should be a given, so we must work toward that end.

We should be committed to increasing participation of women in politics, government and leadership. Hopefully, they will help change laws, make decisions, and create policy solutions that affect and will improve women's lives. We should support, and call on others to support those efforts.