Written by Lee Janssen Nuñez
I just might never be able to fully comprehend the daily challenges that women experience simply because I am a man. I will never understand the difficulties they face, the quiet struggles they deal with, or the obstacles they keep overcoming. This does not imply, however, that I remain on the sidelines. Can we pass the message that purple isn’t just a color — it’s a statement? This Women’s Month, purple stands out not because it’s the loudest, but because it carries the weight of every woman’s voice. In a group of future dentists, all equally brilliant and strong, the one in purple at the center doesn’t outshine the rest — instead, she represents all of them, their strength, their stories, their struggles, and victories. Purple becomes a reminder that every woman, no matter what color she wears, deserves to be seen, heard, and celebrated — and together, they shine even brighter.
My mother, my teachers, and my mentors were all strong women who raised me. They were the ones who taught me the importance of diligence, compassion, and perseverance. But as I became older, I also realized the difficulties they encountered. I witnessed how their efforts were occasionally disregarded, their opinions discounted, and their accomplishments questioned. Nevertheless, they persisted in moving forward without hesitation. The mother who gives her all for her family, the professor who motivates with her insight, and the nurse who holds a patient’s hand in their hour of need are all examples of strong women that I have encountered. I have seen how resilient they are by continuing to move forward despite societal pressure to do otherwise.
Women’s Month, however, is about acknowledging the injustices that women continue to experience as well as celebrating their resilience. It’s about realizing that even with the improvements, there is still more to be done. Respect, fairness, and equal opportunities need to be the rule rather than the exception. And this is not just a “women’s fight”—it is a fight that all of us should take part in. It is not simply a “women’s fight” either; we should all be involved in this fight. It is important to listen, educate, and offer support with women’s issues rather than merely stating that we “understand” them. It is about giving them a voice, standing by them as they fight for their causes, and ensuring that their successes are not only recognized but also genuinely valued. It involves pointing out biases when we perceive them as we continuously act and speak as their allies.
This month is not just theirs—it is ours, too. Not because we want to take the spotlight, but because we want to take part in its celebration, because we recognize that a world where women thrive is a better world for everyone. So, to the women in our lives, we are deeply grateful that you exist. Your strength and resilience do not go unnoticed and together, we will maintain a world that continues to recognize your efforts now and in the long run.
