Do your research on candidates and find out where they stand on women’s rights. Support those candidates by voting for them. One of the best ways to implement change is to get more people into office who are willing to fight for gender equality.  Remember to vote in local, state, and national elections. They’re all important! Let your representatives know that gender equality is an important issue to you. Reach out to them and ask them to stand up for gender equality. You can call or email your representatives. You can also make an appointment to visit them in person at their office. For example, you can call your Senator to voice your views on funding for Planned Parenthood. You can say, "I am your constituent and I want you to work to make sure Planned Parenthood receives more funding." Look for events that are being held near you. There might be a rally about women’s healthcare or about equal pay. Go to a march or rally and take some friends with you! This is a great way to show your support for gender equality. Many workplaces have groups for females. These groups can be for women to talk about issues that they are dealing with and also a time for women to support each other. Ask around to see if your office has a group like this. If not, ask if you can start one.  Most colleges and universities will also have these types of groups. Many even have a women’s center, which will sponsor events that promote gender equality. If you want to enact change, holding office is a great way get started. You can start by running for city council or the school board. Or shoot for the stars and run for a state or national office. There are lots of resources out there to help you with your first campaign. Check out Emily’s List and Run for Something for help.

Summary: Use your vote to support female and feminist candidates. Contact your representatives about important policies and legislation. Attend marches or rallies. Join an organization that promotes gender equality. Run for office.


Sometimes people have low self-esteem because they do an action that they themselves consider wrong or unhealthy. Sticking to your moral and ethical codes in everyday life will help you build self-esteem and confidence. When you accomplish something you're really proud of, that's when you're at your most beautiful. Acknowledge your hard work, congratulate yourself, and ask others to join your celebration. This will make you routinely feel better about who you are, because you'll have other people cheering you on.  Call a grandparent or e-mail a favorite aunt to share the news so you can celebrate with family and friends. Know that this is great for you and them. If you're just talking to your family or friends, it's sharing with those you love. And chances are that if you want to feel good about yourself, then you're have a lot to tell others about your accomplishments. When your friend says,"I liked your presentation," try to avoid brushing her off with "I was so nervous, I forgot a whole slide!." Just say "Thanks," and let the words sink in. If you're self-deprecating or put yourself down any time people try to make you feel good, then they may avoid doing it in the future. Instead, the next time you hear something nice about yourself, look and feel legitimately happy to hear it instead of fighting it.  Look the person in the eye and thank her like you really mean it. If the compliment makes you uncomfortable, you do not have to accept it. However, if you like the compliment, accept it. For some people, putting in real time and care into their hygiene will make them feel that they are worth taking care of. Taking care of your body is just as important as taking care of your mind, and many extreme forms of hygiene are also relaxing.  Examples include taking a long bath or pampering your skin with great-smelling soap or lotion. This is different from throwing on a lot of makeup or buying trendy outfits. This means seeing that your body should be given time and care. You know which shirt makes you feel self-conscious and which pants make you squirm. If you have these clothes, it's time to donate those to charity. Wear your favorite color. If you feel great in it, your confidence will show. If someone teases you about the clothes you wear, shrug it off and say, "Oh well, at least I like them!"  Remember that people aren't looking at you or talking about you nearly as much as you think they are. Avoid wearing clothes that make you feel uncomfortable just because you think they are stylish. Do what makes you feel good and everyone will see that you're much more comfortable in your skin that way.  In some situations, it will actually be more comfortable for you if you dress according to the venue. For example, if you are going to a business meeting, you should dress according to your employer’s code of conduct, even if the clothing makes you uncomfortable. Experiment with clothing to see what makes you feel the best. Some days you might feel fancy and other days you might feel more comfortable. This is normal. Try to visit a clothing store with a friend and try on a few new outfits in colors and styles.You most likely will find something that actually looks good on you.  Focusing on your appearance is not unhealthy when your appearance is a fulfilling expression of who you are. For example, wearing your favorite color expresses a preference. Always laugh at the ones that might be less than ideal. The clothes just may be more suited for others. Changing your style can help you discover a side of yourself you never knew you had. Also try a new hairdo. Those with long hair can braid it, twist it, or wear it in a bun. Experiment to find the best way you can express yourself through your appearance and remember, there are many right options. They're all you if you like it. If you are out with friends and they start talking about things that make you uncomfortable, change the subject. If you always find yourself in company that obsesses over appearance, try to change the conversation to less superficial matters. If this happens often, then you may have to find some friends with stronger values.  Ask yourself if your friends are mostly complimenting you and supporting you, or nit-picking everything you do. If they are negative about you, then you need to drop them as soon as you can. This may sound harsh, but this can lead you to feel better about yourself.  For example, try to change the subject if your friends start talking about their weight or diet and you don't want to talk about it. Show them that there are more interesting things to talk about, such as how their soccer team is doing and how old their little golden retriever pup is this month. Read an article about something going on in the world. You will feel like you are knowledgeable about some current events, and will also help you get out of your routine and feel like you're branching out. Take a pottery class or watch a documentary. Do something that inspires you to learn and appreciate the world. Soon, you'll feel empowered because of your willingness to change and all of the knowledge you've gained. If you've learned something really interesting, share it with others. That will make you feel like you have even more to offer to the world. Exercising will make you feel better both physically and mentally. Though losing weight or getting in shape may be a byproduct, exercise itself is the important part and will make you feel like you are paying more attention to your body and developing a healthy routine. Plus, the rush of endorphins that make you happier will help. Exercise for at least 30 minutes a day and learn to love whatever it is you'll do. You'll feel good about yourself just by making this simple change in your schedule.  Get a workout buddy or two to make the process more fun and encouraging. You'll feel even better if you have a friend cheering you on when you want to quit.  If you aren’t satisfied with your current workout routine or haven’t found something you like, keep switching it up and trying new sports. There is a workout regimen for everyone; the question is finding the one that’s right for you. Cheap forms of exercise include running in your neighborhood or park; doing aerobics or weight-free exercises; burpees.
Summary: Do what you consider right. Tell your family and friends about your accomplishments. Accept compliments genuinely. Celebrate taking care of yourself. Wear comfortable clothes. Develop your own style. Be friends with people who make you feel good about yourself. Learn something new. Exercise.