On this mid-week after Women’s Equality Day, here are some gems of wisdom from around the globe, on the rightful equality of women. Which is your favorite? 

This quote-image includes a photograph of Malala Yousafzai in a pink hijab, and her words, "We cannot succeed when half of us are held back."

How can we work toward the goal of equality for women? One thing every one of us can do is advocate. Call, engage on social media, and/or write to your representatives on the local, state, and national level.

This quote-image shows a photograph of Hillary Rodham Clinton, along with her words: "Human rights are women's rights, and women's rights are human rights. Let us not forget that among those rights are the right to speak freely--and the right to be heard."

What cause calls most to you? Greater educational opportunities for girls worldwide? Women’s equality? Breaking the power of human trafficking? Advocating for more comprehensive access to reproductive health care? Advocacy for victims of rape or incest?Wage equality? Stronger protections for victims of domestic violence?

This quote-image shows a black-and-white photo of Iranian politician and women's rights advocate Mahnaz Afkhami, along with her words: "Women's empowerment is intertwined with respect for human rights."

Whatever your passion, whatever your cause, engagement is only an online search away. Become as involved as your time and resources allow, be that a letter every month or so, or something much more intensive. The important thing is to step up, speak up, and bring your values more fully into your community life.

What have some of your advocacy experiences been? Please share, if you’re willing, in the comments section below.

IMAGES: Many thanks to the Women’s Rights Facebook Page, for the quote-image from Malala Yousafzai; to AZ Quotes for the words and image of Hillary Clinton; and to a different AZ Quotes page for the image and quote from Mahnaz Afkhami. I appreciate them all!