The following interview covers topics of women's rights, surviving hardships, and building a positive community. These are sometimes difficult to discuss and hear about, but this project is designed to raise awareness and foster understanding of these issue. Please continue with an open mind and compassionate heart as we share these women’s stories.
Cilly
While progress has been made, rights are still under threat. She shares a troubling example from her own community:
“Driving down a local road here in town, there's a group of protesters who stand outside our Planned Parenthood. At times, they are heard yelling obscenities at women walking into the clinic.”
This kind of harassment isn’t just a matter of free speech — it’s a violation of dignity and autonomy. Access to healthcare without fear or shame is a fundamental right, yet still contested in many areas.
Teaching the next generation about gender equity begins long before school — it starts in the living room. “Start at home, model equity daily, and create safe spaces for discussions,” she advises. The way parents talk about roles, respect, and responsibility shapes how children understand fairness and empathy.
Her own experience as a young caregiver speaks volumes about resilience and the need for support:
“Tackling becoming a parent before I was ready mentally… I loved every minute of it, but I was not mentally ready at the time.”
Support systems made all the difference. “My village was crucial… There is help out there. Accept it, even if your pride gets in the way.”
In a time where the conversation around women’s rights is more visible than ever, the lived experiences of everyday women continue to illuminate the path toward true gender equality. Cilly shares her personal journey and passionate beliefs, offering a powerful reflection on what women’s rights really mean, why they matter, and how we can collectively make a difference.
“Being heard when I speak, protected when I’m vulnerable, and respected for the strength I carry.”
This statement captures the heart of women’s rights. It’s not just about policies or paychecks — it’s about dignity, safety, and equality in every moment of daily life. “It means not having to fight harder just to be seen, believed, or given the same chance as a man,” she says. Her words echo the frustrations of many women who feel their voices are still too often overlooked.
Women continue to face systemic challenges including gender-based violence, wage disparities, and mental health burnout. “We simply don’t have enough hours in the day or enough hands to help us with our responsibilities at home,” Cilly notes. For mothers and caregivers especially, time poverty is a silent but crushing burden.
Resources matter — whether it’s healthcare, education, or safe spaces like Catalyst, a local program that supports women escaping abusive situations. “This is such an incredible support that speaks volumes about the importance of women’s rights.”
A recurring theme in her story is the power of community. “I rely on nurses for my father’s health. I rely on schools to provide proper education to my kids… I rely on my circle of women for support.” Empowerment is not a solo journey — it’s a collective effort.
She also speaks deeply on the topic of autonomy:
“The right to do what I want with my own self despite how other people feel.”
But that right is often challenged. “Being judged for doing what makes you happy” is a burden women know too well.
Men and allies play a crucial role. The advice is clear: “Listen and learn. Speak up, not over. Create safe spaces and push for equal rights in the workplace.” These are not grand gestures — they are daily actions that shape safer, more equitable environments.
Women also need spaces where they feel safe and heard. “Listen without defensiveness, remove barriers, and foster a culture of belonging,” she urges. This kind of community is not just healing — it’s transformative.
Cilly concludes by highlighting a positive shift she’s noticed: “All the women-owned businesses in my community support each other.” That solidarity is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when women lift each other up.
Cilly’s journey is deeply personal, but her message is universal: women’s rights are human rights. From surviving early parenthood to resisting societal judgment, from finding strength in community to demanding bodily autonomy, her voice represents the resilience and power of countless others.
“I reminded myself often I am human. We make mistakes and can bounce back.”
That reminder, paired with support and the will to speak up, just might be the key to building a more equal future — one where no woman has to fight harder just to be seen.
Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.