By Aniya
I chose this topic because I want to encourage youth to use their words, and to be courageous to advocate for themselves, and their communities. Youth should think about what an awesome and equal future we could have if we speak up, and act now!
I believe that every woman (regardless of age, race, religion, etc.), in every unique community, can make the future better by using their voices.
You can read Aniya’s full essay here.
This project was made in collaboration with GlobalGirl Media-Chicago, The ERA Coalition, and The Fund for Women’s Equality. You can learn more about this collaboration here.

My name is Aniya.
I’m 18 years old and live on the South Side of Chicago. I’m a freshman at Kennedy-King College. I love playing video games and I make delicious meals for my mother and my grandmother (Pepper steak with rice is my specialty!) I have worked on other writing pieces during middle school and high school, normally completing biographies about successful engineers, inventors, mentors, and worldwide creators! Topics I’m most passionate to write about are our rights as women, and our rights as African Americans. We will get that equal future.
Learn more about the Equal Rights Amendment:
History of the ERA: https://www.eracoalition.org/the-amendment
Connect and Follow Us
We are the Fund for Women’s Equality
Twitter: @4womensequality and @eracoalition
Instagram: @fundforwomensequality and @eracoalition