Stop praising women’s strength. We need a world where we don’t have to fight to be valued | Scheaffer Okore

Romanticising survival distracts from the need for radical change. Strength alone can't overcome pay gaps, gendered harassment or protect victims of violence

I've lost count of the number of times I've seen or heard women lauded for their strength whenever they are recognised for anything outstanding. Critics argue that there's nothing wrong with this - after all, it is evidence of women's hard work. However, there is no evidence, historical or otherwise, that shows women not working hard.

History is a litany of hardworking, strong, audacious women whose impact was limited because their strength could only get them so far. Women aren't working hard, being strong or audacious in a vacuum. Women continue to be strong in a world where they consistently have fewer resources, less power and less influence than men.