Women have made incredible strides in their fight for equality, shattering barriers in education, the workforce, and leadership. But while we celebrate these milestones, it’s clear that the journey isn’t over.

This was especially apparent during a recent social media experience. In a group I follow, someone posted in honor of National Degree Day, encouraging women to share their hard-earned degrees as a way to uplift and inspire others. What should have been a moment of celebration turned sour for me when I read comments like this one:

To say this was upsetting would be an understatement. Women work tirelessly to achieve their education and goals, often against unimaginable odds, only to face comments like this that diminish their efforts and perpetuate harmful stereotypes.

Education as a Pillar of Women’s Rights

The right to education has been a cornerstone of the women’s rights movement. Every degree earned, every barrier broken, and every stereotype defied reflects decades of progress. Let’s put this into perspective with a timeline of milestones:

🌱 1848: The Seneca Falls ConventionThe fight for women’s equality began with a call for education, representation, and opportunity.

📚 1972: Title IXThis pivotal legislation allowed women to access education and sports equally, paving the way for millions of women to pursue higher learning.

👩‍🎓 Modern Era: Women Outpace Men in College EnrollmentIn recent years, women have become the most educated demographic, earning more college degrees than men in the U.S.

The Hard Work Behind a Degree

Let’s be clear: earning a degree is no small feat. For many women, it means juggling work, family, finances, and societal expectations.

As someone who overcame foster care and homelessness, I know firsthand what it takes to succeed against the odds. My BS in Education, Healthcare Administration, and Psychology, along with 13 certifications, represents countless late nights, sacrifices, and moments of doubt.

When someone undermines this hard work, it doesn’t just hurt—it fuels the fire to keep proving them wrong.

From Degrees to Empowerment

Education is more than just a personal achievement—it’s a statement. It says, “I belong here. I worked for this. I earned this.”

To those who criticize or belittle women’s accomplishments, I say this:

• We worked for it.

• We earned it.

• We will celebrate it.

The ability to uplift and support one another is a sign of strength, not weakness. Let’s use our platforms to celebrate the achievements of women everywhere, whether they’re pursuing degrees, excelling in careers, or building businesses.

Celebrate Women’s Rights and Achievements

💬 Your Turn: What achievement are you most proud of, educational or otherwise? Share it below! Let’s honor each other’s hard work and resilience.

And to those who still can’t see the value in women’s hard-earned accomplishments: if we were face to face, you’d likely have nothing to say. Let’s rise above the negativity and focus on what truly matters—progress, empowerment, and the incredible journey of women everywhere.

Be proud. Every step forward counts.