This Women’s History Month, Atwood Magazine has invited artists to participate in a series of short essays in observance and celebration of the month’s significance. Today’s submission comes from acclaimed Kansas City-born, Nashville-based country singer/songwriter Casi Joy.

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Women’s History Month is such an important time to focus on and celebrate all the incredible accomplishments women have made throughout history and to this day. It’s a time to honor how far we’ve come, but to also acknowledge that we still have a ways to go in regards to equality and rights. Throughout history, women have shattered glass ceilings, broken down stereotypes, and have made huge contributions to science, agriculture, technology, medicine, and our society as a whole. Where would we be without the emotional depth and strength of a woman, or the complexities of how our minds work?

This month is a time to highlight the great women in history, and to teach our next generation of women that they too can break down those barriers and do big things.

It’s so crucial to show young girls that they can be scientists, doctors, pilots, anything! We are no longer in the days where women are expected to stay home or play it safe. But we’re also in an age where a woman can stay home, raise babies, and run a business. We’re not “staying in our lane” anymore. We’re proudly stepping outside the box and continuing to make history. We are in an age where women and young girls can dare to dream big. We can move mountains, and we’ve seen it happen time and time again.

So many of my heroes are women, from Dolly Parton to Simone Biles. When I started singing professionally at 10 years old, I was immediately inspired by Brenda Lee, Tanya Tucker, and LeAnn Rimes. My mom introduced me to their music, and I couldn’t believe they were so young! That put stars in my eyes to see myself in them, and that revelation stays with me to this day. I am forever grateful to my mom for showing me at such a young age that, “That could be me up there!” There are so many women for girls to look up to, and even young girls who are already making history like Greta Thunberg. What a time to be alive and witnessing such a change in the conversation!

Because of so many brave women who have challenged social norms and broken down barriers, our younger generation is hearing less about how a woman should look, dress, how we’re supposed to talk, the types of jobs we should have, etc. I’m so grateful to have grown up watching all these changes being made, and that I’m in a field where it’s okay to go against the grain. – Casi Joy

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