6 reasons why Michelle Obama makes the feminist in me very happy

Michelle Obama isn't just the fashion icon that has bedazzled the White House and the world. She's also the strong and independent woman young girls need today.

When I think of the former First Lady, it isn't her clothes that strike me. What inspires me about her the most is her stance on issues that are pertinent to all women. She has spoken out about everything--from the importance of motherhood to her favourite feminist "girl power" playlist.

Who can forget her dancing to Uptown Funk with her husband Barack Obama in the White House, along with Stormtroopers, and R2-D2 on Star Wars Day? When the music started, she quipped that it was her favourite song. I was always in awe of her, but this performance surely made me fall in love with her funny side. The force is strong with this one, I tell you!

In 2015, Michelle wrote an essay for The Atlantic on Let Girls Learn, the White House's initiative to help educate the 62 million girls around the world who aren't in school. The essay struck a chord with everyone, as she pointed out the society's moral obligation to help girls have easier access to education.

Here are some of the things she has said over the years that makes the feminist in me really happy.

"Every mother works hard, and every woman deserves to be respected."

Every mother works hard, and every woman deserves to be respected. -mo

- Michelle Obama (@MichelleObama) April 12, 2012

The 53-year-old Harvard Law School graduate tweeted this in 2012. This statement emphasises that true feminism means supporting women's decisions, even if you don't personally agree with them. She reminded us that whether or not someone chooses to be a mother, it is solely her decision, and we should respect her choices either way.

"No country can ever truly flourish if it stifles the potential of its women and deprives itself of the contributions of half of its citizens."
While addressing a class of African fellows in May 2014, she said that leadership includes creating opportunities for all people, including women and girls.

"Any man who uses his strength to oppress women is a coward, and he is holding back the progress of his family and his country."

Michelle has often said that her own life was influenced by the support and encouragement of her family--including men like her father, brother, uncle, and grandfather. During her May 2014 address, she implored the men to support the women in their lives, just like her husband has. She asked the young men present in the audience to treat their female counterparts as equals.

"There is no limit to what we, as women, can accomplish."
The Obamas have always encouraged their daughters to be whoever they want to be. In her 2015 speech about the United States having a female president in the future, Michelle said that she tells her daughters that "women and girls can do whatever they want," whether that's in politics or in other fields.

"When girls are educated, their countries become stronger and more prosperous."

"When girls are educated, their countries become stronger & more prosperous."
-The First Lady #FLOTUSinAfrica pic.twitter.com/CTNq0manFG

- The First Lady (@FLOTUS) June 27, 2013

During her visit to an all-girls middle school in Dakar, Africa in 2013, Michelle talked about the importance of education. She said that countries can only progress if the girls are given the opportunity to go to school and get an education.

"As women, we must stand up for each other."
When we talk about feminism, we often forget that it is not just about fighting for equal rights. It is also about how women need to have each other's back, and support each other. In a 2009 speech at the State Department Women of Courage Awards, Michelle said: "The women we honour today teach us three very important lessons. One, that as women, we must stand up for ourselves."

"The second, as women, we must stand up for each other. And finally, as women, we must stand up for justice for all," she added.

Michelle is truly an inspiration--she is an uber mom, a style icon, and a political force to be reckoned with. When she stepped into the White House, she did so with purpose. She set the pace for discourse on various issues, especially on women's rights; and controlled her own branding and narrative.

Be it her witty retorts during her interview with Ellen DeGeneres, or her dancing--she made sure she left a mark on our hearts.

Now that she is leaving, I'm not going to shy away from admitting that I'm going to miss seeing her as the First Lady. I can only hope that wherever she goes, she will continue the good work and keep inspiring us.