Understanding Feminism

This is one controversial topic which quite honestly, did not need to be controversial.

Feminism is frequently discussed and analysed on social media and with how often it is discussed, one would expect that what Feminism truly means should be common knowledge. On the contrary, several discuss has proven that it is a term which is not well understood.

There are various definitions of the term, for the sake of this piece simple definitions will be used to enable proper understanding.

‘Feminism is the advocacy of women’s rights on the grounds of the equality of the sexes.’

Although this may seem straight-forward, it has been misconstrued and all sort of interpretations and assumptions have been made.

The key words here are ‘women’s rights’ and ‘equality of the sexes’.

Equality signifies the state of having the same status, rights or opportunities.

This means that what feminism advocates is that we reform/withdraw from the former idea that men are higher is rank, status and quality (superior) to women and accord both men and women the same rights or opportunities, not placing the value of one over another.

Some misconceptions are that feminism wages war against men. Hopefully subsequent reading will show that it does not. Women and men work well together and have done so over the years. Men need women and women need men. Feminism seeks equality not superiority. It recommends that neither of the sexes are above or beneath each other; feminism supports a level playing field for both genders.

All-round feminism requires social, political and economic equality. This equality can be demonstrated in equal pay, equal opportunities for both genders in politics, being accorded with the same respect socially, and other forms of equal treatment.

While the equality that feminists seek may seem like a work related issue, it is illogical to look at feminism or anything pertaining equality in a rigid manner. The term equal is universal. This means that to truly attain equality of the sexes, we must start from the domestics. As a matter of fact, to successfully tackle this issue, we must challenge patriarchy.

It is paramount to recognize that the conditioning in home and family relations, primary and secondary schools and other social constructs have a significant influence in determining a persons psych and mentally prepare them for a task or occasion.

It is because of this conditioning that we see women being asked to choose between being mothers or being in the work force; while their male counterparts are not given this ridiculous option.

Conditioning is what makes people tell women that they belong in the kitchen.

It is also conditioning that makes women believe that they are best suited to being second and not first place because the lead position should be taken by a man.

This is why it is important to start from the basic origin if we are to succeed in tackling the issue of inequality. Right from our homes, there should be no specific gender roles; partners should be equals, having the same responsibilities and expectations.

To experience change it means that opposed to setting aside domestic chores to the female gender alone, women and men have equal expectations and responsibility to look after their kids, clean up and do other domestic duties equally. If home keeping is not viewed as exclusive to women alone, women will not be told that they belong in the kitchen. It also means that the male gender alone should not be burdened with the responsibility to provide, but the responsibility should be joint and gender neutral.

If we live in a feminist society, nobody is harmed because no particular gender is put under pressure to fulfill a certain standard. This way, the expectations are the same and everything is achieved through collective teamwork.

In summary feminism translates to having autonomy over one’s self, free from external control or influence.

As far as a woman's power to decide and choose is completely up to her, she can choose whether or not to be influenced by another opinion.

It means she is a valid entity and is capable of making choices and decisions without gender based prejudice.

Women and Men can be feminists. Feminism is not exclusive to women only; men can want both genders to be treated equally and fairly.

Contrary to uninformed belief,

Feminist is not the slang word for ‘I hate men or I don't need men’.

Feminism does not necessitate a lack of courtesy from men.

It does not alter a dignified and courteous way of life, It simply is supporting all round gender equality.

Are there other misconceptions that need to be corrected, kindly comment them below.