Being Jane

Feminism today is about women working together, to be who they want to be and do what they want to do, with self-assurance and passion. Although women in the United States have made great strides in some areas, our ability to achieve economic, political and social stability remains disappointing and dangerous.

Here are three simple areas where women can help themselves and other women make an impact:

1. Acceptance — To foster a renewed zeal for feminism, we must help all women to be whomever and whatever they want to be: from chief executive officer to homemaker, from motorcyclist to philanthropist, from fighter pilot to missionary. There is not one definition of feminism; there is not one correct path women should take in life. Feminism today is about shattering the preconceived notions of women in society and the evolving roles that women are forced to play.

2. Financial education — Did you know that women control or represent nearly 50 percent of the personal wealth in the United States and represent 50 percent of stock market investors? We understand that we must assume responsibility for our own financial education, even if we share our resources with our partner. Yet, fair or not, women must do more financial planning than men because women are living longer than ever — 80 years old compared to 74 years old for men. Even so, the average age of widowhood is 56 years old, and 80 percent of widows living in poverty were not poor before their husband died. Feminists today take control of their finances and make intelligent financial decisions.

3. Outreach — What does it take to make a difference in another woman’s life? Sometimes, all it takes is a minimal gift of your time or resources. If you haven’t already, incorporate philanthropy into your life, and it will form as habit. Find your passion, and focus your financial contributions and time on those areas, such as after-school programs for at-risk girls or a local women’s shelter or breast cancer research. Think about two or three areas or causes you want to support, and make this your outreach mission. Not only will your gifts have more impact, you will find your giving more satisfying. Never think you don’t “have enough” to give. All organizations and charities value your time as much as your contributions and even small contributions add up. Consider the latté factor: If you were to forgo a café-purchased, whipped-coffee drink twice a week and donate that money to charity, you could give your favorite organization more than $350 a year.

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A Women’s Guide to Living with Self-Assurance and Passion