In today’s day and age, many people have opinions on the views of feminists, or women advocating for the social, political, and economic rights that are equal to men, and the measures they take to gain equality. Throughout the last century, women have made significant strides toward the equality that they have been fighting for, such as the right to vote, the right to an education, and the ability to work outside the home. However, with all of this progress made for women today, many wonder, “Is feminism still relevant?”

Although it may seem surprising, the fight equality continues to be an uphill battle. It still is a sad reality that women are still denied many of the rights that men are afforded. For instance, women do not hold as many jobs or earn the same amount of pay as an equally qualified male. According to recent statistics in the Fortune 500 (a list of the most profitable industrial corporations in the country), women only hold 5.2% or 26 out of 500 CEO positions. In addition, as of January of 2014, a woman makes $0.77 for every $1.00 a man does. This means that a woman, who can be as capable or qualified as a man vying for the same position or pay, may not receive the same opportunities, just because she’s a woman–but who says that a woman cannot do what a man can?

Many fail to realize is that in today’s society, women are thriving in their careers and maintaining their own households, as well as caring for their families, all at once. For example, Marissa Mayer became chief of Yahoo in July of 2012 after working at Google for 13 years. However, this hire sparked controversy when she announced her pregnancy the day after gaining her position in the company. Yet in spite of the contentiousness, Mayer has risen to power as one of the top ten most powerful businesswomen in 2013 according to Fortune magazine. Mayer goes to show that women are capable of much more than what is expected of them. Nevertheless, women are still seen as subordinates to males.

The notion that a female can work as hard as a male, but might not achieve success because of her gender is absurd. Any woman should have the right to contend for any job, gain any education, or pursue any dream that she wants to. Although the fight for gender equality continues, this shouldn’t stop women from striving for what they want — it should make them work harder to obtain it.