Every year on 18th August, the United States observes Women’s Equality Day, commemorating the certification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution in 1920, which granted women the right to vote.

Women’s equality and feminism have always been important topics of discussion. Yet, despite being widely discussed, the concept of women’s equality is still misunderstood by many. Women’s equality goes beyond a simple concept; it extends into political, cultural, social and economic spheres, ensuring that women have the same opportunities, rights and freedom to shape their own lives.

As Michelle Obama once said, “There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish.” Limiting women’s capabilities to household responsibilities, as still happens in many cultures and communities, not only restricts women themselves but also prevents society from benefiting from their talents and potential.

History has given us countless examples of women who challenged these limitations. Marie Curie became the first person to win two Nobel Prizes and remains the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields. Malala Yousafzai became the youngest Nobel Peace Prize laureate for advocating for girls’ education. Sirimavo Bandaranaike, a Sri Lankan, became the world’s first female Prime Minister. These remarkable women achieved extraordinary things while living in a society where women were often underestimated. They proved that women are capable of achieving far more than the limitations imposed upon them.

Yet, even today, in many parts of the world, women still do not have equal opportunities to study, work, make decisions or freely express their opinions and beliefs.

As we are living in the 21st century, it is time to change our mindsets and perspectives from dividing people based on gender to recognizing, respecting and treating everyone as human beings with unique abilities and potential.

Women’s equality should not be a topic discussed only on a particular day as a tradition. It should be a practice reflected in our everyday actions and decisions.

Because equality is not about giving women more than others. It is about removing the barriers that prevent them from achieving what they are capable of.