6 Times Women Took on the Patriarchy in 2017

January 2017 marked the beginning of the Trump presidency and humanity’s long, slow descent into hell. At every turn, women’s rights, healthcare, and choices were being limited by lawmakers in power. But it’s not until things get hard that you figure out exactly how strong you are, and there were plenty of times this year that women showed us their strength shouldn’t be underestimated.

The patriarchy may have tried to crush women this year, but these moments and many more prove we’re not going down without a fight.

The Women’s March and Women’s Convention

Photo Credit: Katie Bordner

On January 21, millions of people in the U.S. and around the world participated in the Women’s March on Washington or one of the sister marches. An estimated 4.2 million Americans took to the streets to protest sexism, discrimination, and bigotry in all forms in what’s been called the biggest demonstration in U.S. history. Internationally, an estimated 300,000 people took part in over 200 marches in countries all over the world and even Antarctica.

Nine months later, in Detroit, the leaders of the March held the Women’s Convention where 4,000 people, mostly women, gathered to rally around the most critical issues and plan for the future.

The #MeToo Movement

Over 100 men in Hollywood, music, politics and journalism have been outed for sexual harassment and assault since the New York Times released their report on Harvey Weinstein in October. The brave women and men who came foward with allegations finally brought consequences to many powerful men who once seemed untouchable, sparking a shift that could change our culture forever.

Women Ran for Office, and Won

After the presidential election left many of us devastated and hopeless, a huge number of brave women decided to take matters into their own hands and run for public office. More than 4,500 women signed up through She Should Run, an incubator which helps women prepare to run for office. As we saw in the most recent elections, it seems to be working. The 2017 elections saw many women run for office for the first time and win.

Miss Peru Contestants Protested Male Violence

In November, the contestants of the Miss Peru pageant protested violence against women, using their platform to bring attention to an issue that’s often ignored. Rather than sharing their body measurements on stage, as is customary, they shared facts about violence against women in Peru. The women also answered questions about which laws they would change to better protect women.

A Pakistani Women Faced Her Attacker in Court

Khadija Saddiqi, a 22-year-old Pakastani law student, was attacked by a classmate and former friend while picking her younger sister up from school last year. Her attacker, Shah Hussein, stabbed her repeatedly in the throat, arms, breasts and back after Saddiqi ended their friendship.

With the support of her family, Saddiqi took the case to court and won, despite a national conviction rate for assault of “almost zero.”

Taylor Swift Stood Up for Herself and Women

This summer, Taylor Swift went to trial over a 2013 sexual assault incident in which former Colorado DJ David Mueller groped her during a photo op. Mueller sued Swift, who he blames for the loss of his job and substantial salary. Swift counter-sued for assault and battery and a symbolic $1 in damages. Swift not only won, she also gave us some of the most quotable and empowering responses on the stand and donated money to help other victims defend themselves as she did.

Photo Credit:Cody Williams