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.
Mary emphasizes the importance of listening as a daily act of advocacy. “Just by listening; listen without forming any ideas or notions before the sentence is complete. We should all be listening to each other the exact same way we would want to be heard if speaking to someone—despite the topic, or your own ideas/beliefs.”
Mary believes the challenges women face today are not new. “I don’t think women are facing any issue today that we haven’t been facing for the last 60+ years. Women have been struggling to be heard and respected since we first were allowed rights…The most pressing issue is an unwillingness to be open minded, just as if you were listening to your close friend talk to you about something that you disagreed with.”
For Mary, community is built through presence and reassurance. “The best way that any woman can support another is simply by being there and being available for other women. To give subtle and constant reassurance to those that need help. Don’t let any woman forget that there will always be not just one, but multiple women that are at the ready to support them.”
Mary believes empowerment comes from solidarity. “By standing behind and supporting the women that do speak out despite fear of consequences.”
While acknowledging progress, Mary stresses the need for continued growth. “I think both cultural norms and societal expectations have made huge leaps from where they were but still have plenty of room to continue growing.”
Mary’s perspective highlights that women’s rights are rooted in respect, listening, and support. As she reminds us, “Women have been struggling to be heard and respected since we first were allowed rights.” Her insights call for open-mindedness, stronger communities, and the courage to support women who speak out. By embracing these values, society can continue moving toward true equality and autonomy for women.
Mary
For Mary, women’s rights mean complete freedom of choice and opportunity. As she explains, “To me women’s rights is being able to do absolutely anything I want, in any and all aspects of my life, without being doubted or questioned just because I am a woman trying to do such.”
Reflecting on her time as an assistant manager at a large bar and grill, Mary recalls frequent instances where her voice was dismissed. She shares, “I experienced many, and both women and men were equally responsible in my experiences. In these instances it was not just because I was a woman that I was not being heard or respected…the person I was dealing with just wanted to be heard and respected—just like women are wanting and are still fighting for to this day.”
Mary sees male allies as vital in creating safe environments. “Male allies play a large role because they can help provide a more physical feeling of safety when someone is worried due to violence and may need just a spot or person they can trust that can physically keep them safe from anything they feel is standing in their way from completing their goals.”
Inclusivity, Mary believes, comes from openness and honesty. “I believe it is so very important for everybody to be open about any struggles they’ve gone through. No two persons are the same but even the most outwardly seeming ‘perfect/successful’ person has gone through a deep struggle on their own path and we need to be okay with talking to each other about how it wasn’t perfect or easy to get to where they are now but it’s always worth it in the end.”
Mary defines autonomy as independence in decision-making. “That I can make any decision for myself, without being questioned or doubted for it, as long as it doesn’t put anyone else at danger or in harm’s way.”
One of the greatest barriers to autonomy, Mary explains, is fear of judgment in professional spaces. “I think one of the biggest challenges women are facing is that most are afraid to speak up in professional and critical environments—for fear that they will be labeled as ‘aggressive,’ ‘difficult,’ or a myriad of others which could keep them from better jobs, social situations and more.”
