The war for women’s rights began more than a few hundred years ago and continues today through battles such as women becoming considered for the draft.

The U.S. Armed Forces have begun discussions in Washington about allowing and requiring women to register with the Selective Service at age 18.

However, they are opposed by many people who claim that women who serve in the military contribute less than men who serve.

If we truly want gender equality in our country, women must be allowed to register and participate in the draft.

Initially, I thought, “I wouldn’t want to do that,” but it didn’t take long for me to change my mind. As a woman, I can’t pick and choose what aspects of gender equality I want. I realize that women need to fight on all fronts.

Changing the outdated policy of women being unable to be drafted will help show that women are serious about being treated fairly in this
country.

We can’t argue with men about how we can do anything they can. We need to show them by letting our actions speak louder than our words.

A major issue that dissuades women from entering the draft is gender stereotypes. Physical characteristics differ from person to person.

Regardless of masculinity or femininity, we all have our different strengths, so whoever is best equipped for a certain job in the military should be the one to hold that position.

Of course some of the people who disagree with women being in the armed forces are going to aim for stereotypical arguments like “women aren’t strong enough,” “women aren’t capable” or “women need to be protected,” in addition to my least favorite excuse: “women have to populate the country.”

In the 1981 Supreme Court case of Rostker v. Goldberg, it was ruled that requiring only men to register with the Selective Service was constitutional.

The case concluded that since women were prohibited from any combat roles, there was no sense in us registering for the draft.

As Americans, we may assume that times have changed drastically in the last 35 years, but it was only mere months ago, in December, when Defense Secretary Ashton Carter decreed that all combat positions, even the most grueling, will become open to women alongside men. With the results of this decision now taking effect, it is an opportune time for women to capitalize on changes in this area.

After I started writing this article, I realized it was hypocritical, because I wasn’t signed up for the draft myself. I needed to set an example, so I registered myself by visiting the Selective Services website and added my name to the list of people who may be called upon during a time of need.

Men simply had to put their name on a list to volunteer for this honor and most are required to do so in order to receive
federal assistance such as financial aid.

Not only are women not required to register with the Selective Services, but we are not allowed to legally.

The only way that women can join any of the armed forces, besides transitioning from a ROTC cadet, is if we physically find a branch and sign up at that particular location.

The road to gender equality has been paved with many successful battles over the last century with women gaining the right to vote among other things.

We have stamped out the stereotype that the only job that women should have is taking care of the house and kids.

Hopefully, showing men that we are willing to register for the draft will help as we near the end of this war on gender inequality.

The implementation of this new policy will certainly showcase that women want to be treated as equals in all areas.

It goes to show that if we truly want to achieve gender equality, then we, as women, cannot be selective in what parts of equality we want to be a part of.

Gender equality and freedom aren’t really free, and this is a price that women need to be willing to pay.