Decoding Feminism

What is Feminism?

Contrary to the popular belief feminism is NOT about female superiority or being entitled. It simply means an ideology based on equality of the genders in personal, social, political and economic fields. This also includes equality in self expression and sexuality.

What it is NOT?

• Desire to feel privileged
• Diminishing the importance of men
• Supporting hypocrisy

Why do we need Feminism?

We do not need to go far and take a peak in other countries. Let’s take India for example…

Example 1 – Women tried to make an issue about rape becoming a culture, a hashtag popped up saying #NotAllMen. WHY??? That is what it should be. Whoever came up with the said hashtag was definitely feeling proud of the fact that he has not raped/molested any woman. What an achievement on that person’s behalf.

Example 2 – Women have to fight a legal battle for pay parity. Considering the women are working as hard as men at work plus there is added work at home (Duh!!! Obviously because she is woman), she is still getting paid less than a man.

Example 3 – In many States and cities people are still marrying their girl child off as soon as possible. This is not limited to illiterate families, but many well educated families also prefer to do it at the earliest.  This is a basic infringement of human rights.

We can go on and on about such examples. But the point is feminism is needed now more than ever. Anytime a stereotyping, objectification, infringements of basic human rights occurs (to a person or a group of any gender), it becomes a feminist issue.

Exceptions

Of course there are always exceptions, and by exceptions we mean you will find people (men and women) who will misconstrue the ideology to cater to their own benefits. Half knowledge, larger-than-life ego and plain stupidity are the reasons for this.

This women’s day let’s pledge to open our eyes and ears and be feminists not only for our sake for the sake of our children as well!!!

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