What really is feminism? When you look up feminism on the internet the typical results that come up are:
1. The advocacy of women’s rights on the basis of the equality of the sexes
2. The theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes
3. The belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities
4. The doctrine advocating social, political, and all other rights of women equal to those of men
The key point in each of these statements is EQUALITY. The definition of feminism, after all, has nothing to do with the superiority of women, or their decision-making capabilities. The common definition, straight from Merriam Webster, describes feminism as “the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes.”
Hence, feminism is nothing but a movement for women empowerment in order to bring them over from social suppression to social equality.
To take a look at the general opinion, I posted a poll on my Instagram account. Take a look:
According to the poll a majority of people carry a misconception of feminism. I am not here to dispute people’s opinion, rather to state and support my own and maybe even clear certain misconceptions.
Feminism at its core is about equality of men and women, not “sameness.” So many people offer up the argument that women are not the “same” as men so there can’t be equality. In other words, because their bodies are different (many say “weaker” and smaller), and because men and women have different physical capabilities, these physical differences mean equality is not possible. It’s critical to understand that “same” does not mean “equal.” The issue here is about equal rights and equal access to opportunities. Men and women don’t have to be the “same” in physicality to have the right to equality. I’d love to see that argument (that women and men aren’t the “same” so they can’t be equal) disappear forever. From my view, it’s a misguided one. The fact that women have different physical capabilities than men gave a lot of men the opportunity to assert their authority over women.
In my opinion, women are not placed on a pedestal. I know this statement can be disputed by giving me certain one off cases. But let us take a look at the world in general. I am a proud Indian but it saddens me to say that India is a country with one of the highest cases of gender inequality even after its democratic political status. This inequality takes place in spheres of higher education ( or education at all), employment, income, leadership roles, life expectancy after birth, and access to justice, where in each case the percentage of women is significantly lower. I speak of India because that is where I am from but this is a global problem. Male assertion and domination can be seen in a lot of countries around the world. Big cooperate firms like Google and Microsoft have also had their share in this cruelty where they under pay female employees. Such a problem is prevalent all across the globe no matter how advanced a particular nation is.
Women are just home-makers. No women are allowed to read. They’re not allowed to work, spend money, or drive. This is the patriarchal rule at its most extreme. Women have been as significant in our history as men. Scientists like Marie Curie who was an integral part of the discovery of radioactivity, war heroes like, Clara Barton, who got involved with tending the needy when she treated injured Union soldiers on the battlefield during the Civil War, social workers like Mother Theresa, founder of a religious group of nuns in Calcutta, India who devoted her life to aiding sick and poor people throughout the world are just a few women out of the innumerable list of women who contributed to the history of the greatness of mankind. Hence this proves that women are just as capable as men to achieve greatness and deserve social, economic and political parity.
I have heard cases where women in the name of feminism take advantage of men and wrongfully make them suffer because of which a lot of people don’t like the concept of feminism. This is not the true spirit of feminism. Like i said before, feminism is focused on equality than superiority. The spirit of feminism is not to make the males suffer for their oppressive acts in the past, but is to bring in equality and stir up more opportunities for women in various fields.
After long debates and struggles, women have managed to gain some rights and freedoms. But is it enough? Why is there a line still drawn between the two sexes? I really have nothing to gain if women win this battle but as a man it hurts my conscience to see women go through this. What if we too went through it? Women have come a long way in this battle. Let’s bring in complete equality!