Women's Equality
"When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid." - Audre Lorde
The words of Audre Lorde ring close to my heart as I reflect on the impact of this year’s recognition of Women’s Equality Day. It was 50 years ago that the 19th Amendment was passed, granting women the right to vote. Thinking of all the pioneering women before me who created a path for my voice to be heard, I echo the words ‘Thank You.’
As a disabled black woman, I’ve felt more empowered within the past decade as I have witnessed the presence of women being valued in more significant measure. There has never been a day like today in which it is now cool to be a girl. And to add an extra layer of sauce, this era of the woman– it’s even cooler to be a disabled girl – okay maybe I’m a little biased because I am a disabled girl. But I can remember growing up and thinking the experience of womanhood was something to be ashamed of and hide – and now I want to share my identity as a fully realized woman with the rest of the world. Because like Audre Lorde alluded to – being a woman is powerful, and to be a disabled woman is transformative.
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I think of pioneering disabled women, e.g., Judy Heuman, Fannie Lou Hammer, Senator Tammy Duck Worth, and Haben Girma, what all these women have in common is that not only are they all disabled women, but these women distinctly pushed past their own fears and personal barriers to advance a more excellent vision– and that is to advance justice for people with disabilities. Through their advocacy, they not only uplifted a community, but they gave recognition to women with disabilities. A group that is often overlooked and undervalued in mainstream society.
Woman’s Equality is a superpower that all of us have the potential to possess if we lean even more into the beauty of womanhood. And when I look at the strength inside me, I find the confidence to trudge forward not just for me but for all the other little disabled black girls who will follow in my footsteps. I want their fortitude to outweigh their fear and their purpose to shine brighter than their past mistakes.
And that's what our foremothers wanted when they looked into the future and saw the generations of women waiting to take up space. Our mothers saw our voice, i.e., vote, and how it had the capacity to change the future for the better. Women’s Equality Day gives us a voice and a provoking reminder to set another stone of legacy in the yellow brick road that leads us forward. I am proud to commemorate women on Women’s Equality Day. But I am even more honored to celebrate disabled women as a part of the group of transformative women who are creating equality and inclusion for all women around the globe.
About the Author: Rasheera Dopson is a disability justice strategist, author, and nationally recognized motivational speaker who uses her purposeful experiences to empower others who live at the intersection of chronic illness and disabilities. She is the founder of the Dopson Foundation a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement and betterment of social and professional equity for women and girls with disabilities.