To all the women who have been oppressed.
To all the women whose voices have been hushed.
To all the women whose value has not been recognized.
This one's for you.
Feminism, as a concept, is a straightforward notion. It means that there should be equality of the sexes in economic, social, political and personal aspects. For such a simple concept, it is dramatically misunderstood.
It isn't just the advocacy of women’s rights. It is a way of life, a feeling of pride, and a celebration of women.
Feminism, at its core, means equality between men and women, and not “sameness”. It is often argued that women are not the “same” as men because their bodies are built differently.
Understanding the difference between “same” and equal is pivotal. Both consciously and unconsciously, gender bias is rampant within us, but most of us aren't aware of it.
Privilege is invisible to those who have it. This leads us to think that gender equality already exists, especially in such an advanced generation. However, the sad truth is that there are still many women who are oppressed, paid unequal salaries and deprived of opportunities.
There is a fear within society that feminism will over turn honoured traditions, religious beliefs and various other established gender roles. Gender is not an easy conversation to have, to bring up gender is to sometimes face immediate resistance.
If we choose to speak, not out of fear but out of courage, then our words will be unique and powerful.
In our world today one out of five women are sexually assaulted or raped before the age of eighteen, and when the time comes for the society to respond, the victim has been constantly blamed and opressed. Women are reminded how to sit, talk and walk. But we must understand, that if we cannot freely choose how to behave, act or present ourselves then we are truly moving backwards.
It's no more about raising our sons right; it's about correcting our thought process and reaching out into the depths of an orthodox society.
It isn't enough to simply talk about equality, we must believe in it and it isn't enough to simply believe in it, we must work on it!
Having a daughter does not make a man decent, having a wife does not make a man decent. Treating people with dignity and respect is what makes a man decent.
As G.D Anderson rightly said, "Feminism isn't about making women strong. Women are already strong, it's about changing the way the world perceives that strength.”
Very well articulated!
Great thoughts Krisha.
Some values never change.👍