It is unfortunate that for many centuries, society used its most important institutions to try to exclude women from spiritual enlightenment and positions of power.  Women warriors in history books are the exceptions and not the rule, and the truly exceptional ones have bubbled to the surface in written pages only because their existence was so explosive that it was undeniable. 

There are legends of Amazon women who could bring down entire armies of men, and Samurai women called Onna Bugeisha who fought bravely and with equal skill to their male counterparts.  There are even stories about a female Pope, who had to hide her gender to rise to the ultimate position of power within the Catholic church. But these stories are only now being investigated, researched and proven by historians and archeologists. 

The past few decades have seen women slowly reclaim their place in society and history.  Part of that process has been breaking the traditions that were established by governments and religious institutions; fighting for our right to rise to positions of power by opening doors to education and enlightenment.  As we win small battles, we become stronger and as we become stronger, we must find power in unity. There are still many institutions that exclude us from their ranks, that try to keep us weak and irrelevant- our battles extend way beyond the territory that has already been won.

It’s time to apply the principles of Bushido to defend and propagate our freedom.  We must fight together with Loyalty, Courage, Honor and Compassion and we must do it in true warrior style, with a peaceful mind and unwavering determination.