What defines beauty for a woman? Is it high cheekbones, tan skin, face symmetry, skinny figure? Aren’t we all unique in some way that adds to the beauty and diversity of this world? It’s perplexing to see in today’s day and age racism and inequality present in successful industries, such as the runway. What makes one person more applicable than another in terms of beauty for models? When considering this, it can be surprising that skin color is a determining factor if a woman receives the job or not. Defining a woman’s worth, value, and potential by simple skin color is a large form of prejudice that women face in all of society, specifically in fashion industries.

A Stunning Black Model Re-Vamping Famous Fashion Campaigns With Herself Exposes Racism In The Industry. 12 Jan. 2017. Health Moment USA, 2017, healthmomentusa.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/stunning-black-model-re-vamping-famous-fashion-campaigns-01-1.jpg. Accessed 13 Apr. 2017.

According to the perspective of many colored models, a large divide exists between women of color and runway in terms of overall treatment while shooting for sets. This gap affects numerous women’s careers and lifestyle.  For instance, British supermodel Naomi Campbell criticized the industry for being “more racist now than ever before” (Mirror). Backing Campbell up, the successful and striking supermodel Chanel Iman shared that casting directors often say, “We already found one black girl. We don’t need anymore” (Essence). These comments address the simple fact that ethnic models are wrongly limited. Restricting the fashion industry with a few colored women and deeming that necessary and enough is simply unjust. If a colored model has the same qualifications as a caucasian one, why is it that her skin color could hold her back and strip her of her opportunity? To address this question and raise awareness, many women have began to speak up and voice their concerns.

One specific means of advocacy launched in 2007, when Naomi and other models launched a campaign against racism and inequality in the fashion world. By speaking loud and bravely, Naomi represented all of womanhood who have experienced times of discrimination. Likewise, this campaign raised awareness by informing society that 80% of models are white, 9% black, 7% asian, and 4% latina (Bustle). Without much explanation at all, these numbers in itself do not screen equal to viewers and further symbolize the overarching racism among women in the modeling industry.

Similar to Naomi’s voice, supermodel Nykhor Paul used Instagram to share a message about the unfair treatment she received during a shoot. She put aside professionalism and spoke as a young woman with a soul rather than a professional who needs special treatment. Withher colloquial language, she can relate to all young girls and point out how simple her argument is. Her caption read,

Dear White People of the Fashion World. 2 Feb. 2017. Instagram, 2017, www.instagram.com/p/4zVonor-ox/?hl=en. Accessed 13 Apr. 2017.

“Dear white people in the fashion world! Please don’t take this the wrong way but it’s time you people get your sh** right when it comes to our complexion! Why do I have to bring my own makeup to a professional show when all the other white girls don’t have to do anything but show up wtf! Don’t try to make me feel bad because I am blue black it’s 2015 go to Mac, Bobbi Brown, Makeup Forever, Iman cosmetic, black opal, even Lancôme and Clinique carried them plus so much more. there’s so much options our there for dark skin tones today. A good makeup artist would come prepare and do their research before coming to work because often time you know what to expect especially at a show! Stop apologizing it’s insulting and disrespectful to meand my race it doesn’t help, seriously! Make an effort at least! That goes for NYC, London, Milan, Paris and Cape Town plus everywhere else that have issues with black skin tones. Just because you only book a few of us doesn’t mean you have the right to make us look ratchet. I’m tired of complaining about not getting book as a black model and I’m definitely super tired of apologizing for my blackness!!!! Fashion is art, art is never racist it should be inclusive of all not only white people, shit we started fashion in Africa and you modernize and copy it! Why can’t we be part of fashion fully and equally?” (Instagram).

In Nykhor’s statement,  she shows the frustration from a personal story, and relays the idea that inequality is present in fashion. She simply states that she is sick of saying sorry for being a woman of color. But the reality of it is that she should not have to apologize once. But most importantly, her ending phrases are so significant among womanhood and should never be forgotten: fashion is art, art is never racist. In this case, Nykhor addresses that art is meant to show off the beauty and complexity of a diverse range of images, whether it is in the form of a painting, modeling, or drawing- each incorporates a wide-range of visuals. Essentially, Nykhor voices to all of society that inclusivity is a root of culture.

Each year, fashion is critically analyzed in womanhood. Casting directors are commonly criticized for their lack of diversity in fashion shows. However, the issue is larger than just including colored people on the runway; but rather, it lies in the idea that our culture values the young, overly skinny, white woman- especially in fashion. This issue clearly stands out to society, and the corruption in the fashion world is apparent for all models. Thankfully, brave models have voiced their value for freedom, equality, safety, and unity, which contributes to all of womanhood.

Work Outfits for Women. 2014. Pinterest, Pinterest, Inc, 2017, s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/57/0d/35/570d35274e8aa3d3bdf421a44d760edb.jpg. Accessed 6 Apr. 2017.

Because gender roles continue to exist in society, women constantly have to make adjustments to their lifestyle. Especially in the workplace, women are judged by personality and demeanor. With any familiarity with interviews and professionalism, it is obvious that first impressions are crucial; but for women, appearance and dress is 70% of what first impressions are established by (Business Know How). That means that clothing and proper attire are extremely significant. When considering how much value is placed on physicality and presence in the workplace, consider a few questions. Is it wrong that clothing and appearances mean so much? Is it incorrect to judge someone by their outfit? Or is it imperative that a person properly represents a company? The means that define what is proper, appropriate, and a “well” representation of a company in terms of dress code can be oppressive and discriminatory towards women, and they are beginning to voice their concerns across the border.

Defining a women by what they wear is an extremely easy task, but an unfair one. Within seconds of meeting someone, based on a single observed physical trait or behavior, people assume to know everything about her (Business Know How). Although vision tends to occur before sound, judging someone by what they are wearing before even listening to them is wrong, especially in the workplace. Talent and knowledge are commonly underappreciated or under recognized because the higher being is too focused on materialistic aspects: if the women does not wear makeup, or has too large of a chest, or too high of heels, or has frizzy hair, or bland style. In the scheme of things, a woman who is defined by a strong education has the ability to be overlooked because of her suit jacket. Equality and Human Rights Commission chief executive Rebecca Hilsenrath expresses this idea in her statement that “The height of my heels has no relevance to how good I am at my job. We are looking for test cases which will bring this issue to the national attention” (ITV) Essentially, Hilsenrath wants everyone to notice that the working world should value work, education, awareness, and skill set over the choice she makes in her closet. This altered value set, however, can be derived from the history of a woman’s defining qualities.

This common aspect of first impressions and judgement lies in the core of defining women as objects, eye-candy, and too this or too that. According to a survey conducted by Women Work!, 75% of their respondents believed that appearance at work affects how women are perceived by others more so than males (Business Know How). Clothes, hairstyle and makeup make a significant difference in co-workers’ perceptions of women and how they treat them. Essentially, appearance and dress define women in the workplace, which has greatly affected their lifestyle.

While women try to live their daily lives and work amongst their counterparts, they also have to take the time to consider what they wear and what effect that has on how they perceive themselves and how they want to be perceived. In most cases, how a woman needs to be perceived overrides how she personally wants to express herself. Judgements and outside standards take precedent for women, much more so than they do men. For instance, if a women does not want to wear heels, she should not have to. No one tells men what dress shoes they can and cannot wear. However, it’s not always that easy in society. Specifically, a woman arrived at PwC one day and she was told that she had to wear shoes with a 2-4 inch heel. When she refused and complained, she was sent home without pay (ITV). This lady, Ms. Thorpe, responded in broader terms, saying that although this may have started over a pair of high heels, the situation reveals so much about discrimination and what is wrong with societal standards (L&T). Furthermore, while employers are allowed to regulate clothing, piercings, tattoos, makeup, nails, hair, and more, they also directly affect a woman’s lifestyle by demanding wardrobe based on appeal.

Even the Prime Minister’s shoes have been under scrutiny. 25 Jan. 2017. ITV, ITV plc, www.itv.com/news/2017-01-25/women-face-sexist-dress-codes-at-work-report-finds/. Accessed 6 Apr. 2017.

Because the working world tries to determine and control how a woman should portray herself, many women have voiced their concerns for fairness and against judgements. In Thorpe’s case, she addressed womanhood as a whole and started a petition called “Make it illegal for a company to require women to wear high heels at work” (L&T). Within four days, the petition gained 136,194 signatures and began a debate altogether. She sacrificed her health, name, reputation, and career for all women in society, so that no other woman would be treated unjustly or forced into an uncomfortable situation. In addition, other women have stressed the same concerns. TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady voiced that “Far too many employers are still stuck in the past when it comes to dress codes. It is unacceptable that in 2017 bosses are still forcing women to wear painful, inappropriate shoes and uniforms” (ITV).

Female engagement in government did not originate with ease. Women generally held their roles in the home and did not even have a say in government let alone actively participate in it for a long time. Defined with little need for patronage and deemed essentially useless in politics, women have spent centuries tweaking that underlying assumption.

Womanhood–the state or condition of being a woman–has adapted their definition to include aspects of their political lifestyle. Furthermore, women in politics “…profiles the long, slow fight for female political representation over the last century…” (Makers). With the first woman elected to Congress in 1916 to all women gaining the right to vote in 1920 to Hillary Clinton making it to the final seconds of the presidential election, womanhood has come a long way in their battle for equality within government. However, according to the National Democratic Institute, political parity will not be reached until 2080 at the current rates of progress. Despite women’s intense strides towards political activism and acceptance in government, establishing equality in politics is the highest hurdle women face.

Belonsky, Andrew. “Why Don’t We Have More Women Politicians?” Good, GOOD Worldwide Inc, 11 June 2010, assets.goodstatic.com/s3/magazine/assets/139291/original/1276122550women-politics.jpg=s1200x1200. Accessed 23 Mar. 2017.

Despite the obstacles, women have devoted their lives towards acceptance within the government. Engaging in strong efforts to incorporate politics into their lifestyle, women have established their role and significance- what they can do to help society at a political level. Over the last few decades, their contributions have exceeded milestones, in which they’ve doubled global numbers in parliaments, from 11 to 22 percent (CAWP). By gaining power in government, women offer themselves opportunity and knowledge while simultaneously offering the entire country perspective and guidance. Womanhood as a means of lifestyle contributes entirely to democracy: they “…raise issues that others overlook, pass bills that others oppose, invest in projects others dismiss and seek to end abuses that others ignore” (NDI). By fighting for equal roles in government, women benefit the greater good by simply viewing policy in a new light- a symbiotic relationship.

In order to implement politics into women’s lifestyle and women’s lifestyle into politics, women retained an extremely strong voice, and can express it with even greater strength now. Furthermore, being accepted in the government is still a huge struggle for women. Political gender equality originated as a battle and remains one. In this aspect of womanhood, voice represents three crucial sectors: the voice fighting against discrimination, the voice proving their strength and ability to succeed, and the voice vouching for numerous aspects of life that go unseen, addressing them in a new light. In the first case, women have resisted personal doubt, unwelcoming colleagues, and gender stereotypes that they’re not good enough. In the second case, women have validated a name for themselves: Olympia Snowe is the youngest Republican woman ever elected to the House of Representatives, Shirley Chisholm is the first African-American woman to serve in Congress, Rashida Tlaib is the first Muslim-American woman elected to the Michigan House, Susan Collins led the Senate in shaping a deal to end the government shutdown, and Tulsi Gabbard is currently the youngest woman serving in Congress (Makers). And altogether, they’ve voiced and gained attention to issues that were not properly represented before, such as girls’ education, maternal health and labor force participation.

Women’s voice has become so prevalent that institutions exist simply to “promote greater knowledge and understanding about women’s participation in politics and government and to enhance women’s influence and leadership in public life” (CAWP). For instance, an entire unit at Rutgers University called The Center for American Women and Politics is devoted to research, education, and action for women in politics. Their mission has developed extensively over the years, driven from womanhood’s persistent voice.

“Why the parliamentary gender gap?” CBC News, Radio-Canada, 2015, www.cbc.ca/news2/interactives/women-politics/. Accessed 23 Mar. 2017.

Michele Bachelet, the president of Chile, voices her dream of equality: “For me, a better democracy is a democracy where women do not only have the right to vote and to elect but to be elected.”

Golda Meir, Israel’s fourth prime minister, expresses her willingness to take risks for the greater good: “I can honestly say that I was never affected by the question of the success of an undertaking. If I felt it was the right thing to do, I was for it regardless of the possible outcome.”

Geraldine Ferraro, the first female vice presidential candidate in the United States, declares her hope in the U.S: “We’ve chosen the path to equality, please don’t let them turn us around.”

Angela Merkel, the Chancellor of Germany, preaches the power of freedom and liberty: “Neither the chains of dictatorship nor the fetters of oppression can keep down the forces of freedom for long.”

Benazir Bhutto, the first woman elected to lead a Muslim state as the Prime Minister of Pakistan, articulates balance in success:  “To make peace, one must be an uncompromising leader. To make peace, one must also embody compromise.”

In a mutually beneficial manner, women in politics have voiced their powerful thoughts and powerful thoughts have been voiced about women in politics.

Adding policy and patronage to the scope of a woman’s definition, to incorporating politics into their lifestyle, and establishing a powerful voice, women have made incredible strides in U.S. government and politics across the world. Although great barriers exist in the scope of political equality, womanhood as a whole utilizes their culmination of definition, lifestyle, and voice to supersede obstacles of their own and help fix those of others as well.

“Growth Trends in Female Heads of Government.” The Lead, Meridian International Center, 2017, blog.meridian.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/05/WomenGraph4.jpg. Accessed 23 Mar. 2017.

Defined as early as 1776,–when the constitution established the foundation of societal rules–women were not equal to men in many aspects of their lifestyle. More specifically, Abigail Adams begged her husband John Adams to “remember the ladies” and he responded confidently and sternly that she should “know better than to repeal our masculine systems” (Payscale). Because women were deemed inferior in the workplace as early as the 18th century, it’s not a surprise that women still face this disproportionate reality? Or is it? Regardless, they retain a strong voice.

“The Earliest Known Image of Abigail Adams Painted at the Time of her Marriage.” FirstLadies.org, www.firstladies.org/biographies/firstladies.aspx?biography=2. Accessed 16 Feb. 2017.

The definition of women in the workplace once existed in terms of demeaning fallacies and perceived roles. They were restricted to kitchens, sewing machines, and children. However, that definition has improved and women currently flourish in the workplace; but hints of inequality prevail. Women are still dragged behind by unequal pay, in which their revised definition in the workplace includes proposed explanations. Women are paid on average 77% of what men are paid because they might choose lower-paying jobs, lower levels of qualification, women work part time more than men do, and women have more caregiving responsibilities (AAUW). The portrayed justifications are endless; but regardless of the reason, it is evident that women are still not receiving equal pay for equal work.

Defining women in the workplace by unequal rewards definitely affects their lifestyle. Directly, the gender gap in the working world creates a disparity that affects women’s spending power, creates gaps in Social Security and pensions, and overall penalizes their retirement security (Now.org). And indirectly, unequal pay radiates the wrongful belief that women are inherently lesser than men. Dominance, submission, and general sex-based hierarchy is archaic at this point. Paying women unequally for equal work of equal value has an apparent disconnect- a disconnect that prevailed in the 1700s and so forth. But it’s the twentieth century now, and women are embracing a lifestyle which focuses on physically bridging the gap rather than silently complaining.

Voicing their opinion and heartfelt concerns, women have succeeded in decreasing the pay gap over centuries. Although it’s been an extremely slow process, women have not stopped in their fight for equality. With the Equal Pay Act, the Equal Rights Amendment, the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act of 2009, and the Paycheck Fairness Act, women have taken great strides toward creating an equilibrium among treatment and payment in the workforce.

The fight for equality in the workplace began with women’s simple act of straying from their roles as housewives. For example, in the 1940’s, “women’s labor-force participation rate was 32 percent and female college graduates were a tiny minority” (WashingtonPost). Thanks to the small amount of brave women who sacrificed their societal expectations and strived to be doctors, lawyers, accountants, businesswomen, or police officers, women eventually gained respect in the labor division. But even then, women were treated poorly and paid very unequally. From this point until the 1970’s, society began to envelop in innovations that helped welcome women into the workplace: “the spread of household appliances that saved tremendous time; the birth control pill, which made it easier for couples to plan pregnancies; the opening of college to more women, which expanded job opportunities; and the rise of feminism, which challenged prevailing stereotypes” (Washington Post). With the help of these modern novelties, women became closer to equal opportunity and therefore gained courage to fight for equal pay, which is when their voices reigned.

“WORKING WOMEN AND THEIR PROBLEMS.” Bitlanders, bitLanders, 2016, www.workingwomenoftampabay.com/Resources/Pictures/WIB.PNG. Accessed 16 Feb. 2017.

According to the American Association of University Women, it’s clear that the gap has narrowed since the 1970s. This reduction in the division was due “…largely to women’s progress in education and workforce participation and to men’s wages rising at a slower rate” (AAUU). But it’s important to note that the pay gap did not and does not just go away on its own. It took years of courage, voice, and numerous battles.

For instance, women, like Lilly Ledbetter, fought for years for equality within her job. Ledbetter worked for Goodyear, and she received less money than men for equal work of equal value- simply because she was a woman. As a result, Ledbetter fought in court for ten years until her voice was heard. Her mighty and strenuous battle in court eventually made an impact. In 2009, President Obama signed the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, which “…defines each paycheck as a new discriminatory act” (Payscale). So now women have 180 days from the date of their last paycheck to file a claim rather than 180 days from being discriminated against to file a claim. Despite this being a slight movement in the right direction, it was a movement. Ledbetter symbolizes the strength, power, and impact that a voice can have for women in the workplace.
Although the rate of change against unequal pay between 1960 and 2015 was very slow and is even slower now (AAUW), women like Ledbetter will not stop fighting against this ongoing discrimination. While women continue to voice their concern and discomfort with the gender gap, they simultaneously defy all unjustly perceived definitions and embrace their empowering lifestyle.

A woman is defined as an adult human female, a female worker or employee, or a wife, girlfriend or lover. A definition exists for what the legitimate word, “woman,” means; but each day, women continue to define themselves in various, empowering ways. Beginning with the roots of womanhood–that characterized women as housewives and caretakers–women have been revising their expected roles and perceptions. The increasing value that women place on personal endeavors and empowerment flourishes in current society, almost as if being a woman itself is a lifestyle. With proud action and expression, women have constructed an empire build on voice. Alike many outdated beliefs and traditional societal expectations, womanhood has become an aspiring, mighty, and dynamic civic issue: motivated by definitions, practiced by lifestyles, and heard by voices.

More recently, women decided to use their developed forms of expression to vouch for their rights, a seemingly common practice. However, they used their powerful skills and rhetoric to incorporate all diverse communities in the fight “…for the protection of our rights, our safety, our health, and our families,” deeming diversity as “…the strength of our country” (Women’sMarch.com). By showing their presence in support and numbers during the Women’s March, women exhibited their powerful characteristics, strong community and lifestyle, and compelling capability to help our country as a whole in the form of voice and expression.

On Saturday, January 21, 2017, 950,185 people supported the Women’s March and 413,270 RSVP’d to the event (Women’sMarch.org).  But the emphasis and importance of that statistic lies in the great number of attendants and that people–not just women–communicated their loyalty, encouragement and protection. In this case, women chose to represent a myriad of societal groups: the LGBTQIA, native peoples, african americans, survivors of sexual assault, people with disabilities, and essentially anyone who feels any sense of injustice. They recognize anyone with a heart and soul comprised of democracy and freedom. Despite the countless, miscellaneous beliefs that each member of society possesses, women are simply expressing that we all stand together as one and believe in human rights. Women establish the intricacies that lie on each and every human being’s value rope, but tie them all together with a common thread of life, liberty, and happiness.

Deeming women’s rights as human rights, they accept and value the countless factors that make each and every person different: religion, race, ethnicity, sexual identity, origin, nationality, gender status, age, etc. By addressing all types of people, women express a sense of unity and competence. Although the march was called “Women’s March,” women made it utterly clear that they were fighting for the end to violence, environmental justice, and for the rights of reproduction, the LGBTQIA community, workers, civilians, the disabled, and immigrants. While many people thought that the women’s march was a riot against Donald J. Trump’s nomination and inauguration as President, it was rather a non-violent recognition of unification and justice. In order to radiate this feeling of acceptance and uphold the United States’ diverse foundation, women have taken it upon themselves to help spread the voices of many communities.

Utilizing centuries of past experiences and moments of oppression, women recognize the feeling of hopelessness, discrimination, fear, and concern. They were once defined as outsiders and treated poorly. But they have utilized these emotions and channeled them into action against holistic discrimination, transforming womanhood as a lifestyle into equality as a lifestyle. To put in simpler terms, the women’s march physically and vocally preaches Audre Lorde’s words, “It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences” (Women’sMarch.com).

Essentially, the Women’s March encaptures a system of captivating beliefs: equality, unity, fairness, liberty, freedom, righteousness, acceptance, and expression. While valuing these beliefs in American society, I also value womanhood, and vice versa. It is something I admire, protect, and am proud of; these marches and protests show the strength, character, and the nature of women’s capabilities to stand up for themselves and their rights. It says something about the female gender, wouldn’t you agree? But it’s not only confined to women, which is the main message of the march. Women tie their rights to all of human rights, which ultimately involve and circumscribe every human being. Some articles and reports even say that the Women’s Marches as a whole may be the largest demonstrations in United States history (Vox). Inequality and discrimination is an ongoing issue that our society faces daily. Although laws, protests, and marches have stood against injustice, it still exists, and will continue to exist alongside millions of other women as well. I, we, us 49.55% percent of the global population to be exact (The World Bank), will continue to answer when problems call. We must voice the lifestyle we have built from our powerful and dynamic definition of womanhood.

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