Feminism and Feminist

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Feminism... What is feminism? A word? A movement? A social cause? Something that puts women on a pedestal? Something that establishes men as inferior? Something that entitles women the ultimate power to do what they desire? Something that men should not become a part of? Or something that proves that women are better?

Feminism is something that the world is talking about and has various hypothesis attached to it. People are talking about it, some in favour and some against. But before you choose your side, you need to study the term deeply to understand what feminism really means and what a feminist really believes in.

“Feminism is a collection of movements and ideologies that share a common goal: to define, establish, and achieve equal political, economic, cultural, personal, and social rights for women. This includes seeking to establish equal opportunities for women in education and employment.” (Wikipedia)

Therefore, equality and not superiority is what this advocates. Feminism is not a fight but a logical movement that aims towards establishing gender equality. Thus, as Gloria Steinmen states, a feminist is anyone who recognises the equality and full humanity of women and men.

Feminism calls for equal voting rights, not an additional vote for women. Women want to be treated equally in the workplace. They do not want to be seen as inferior, following their sex, when it comes to receiving a paycheck. They demand to be educated equally, given equal respect so that they too can reach their potential and work progressively in the development of the economy.

Moving towards the domestic domain, treating a son and a daughter as children, as a coequal, is feminism. Equal rights within marriage is a logical demand as the wife is your ‘better half’ and not your subordinate. She’s asking you to share the responsibilities equally, whether it is work or home. And accepting the fact that she might earn equal or more than you is feminism. She is not asking other than what she deserves. More would be when she orders you to take care of children yourself because she is the one who suffered while giving them birth when your only contribution was a sperm!

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Feminism aspires for the world where women have complete right on their body, where they are protected from rape, sexual harassment and domestic violence. Where they are comfortable under their own skin. Where they are considered as rational and logical and not treated as pretty little things. Where women are not afraid when they behave anything more than a doormat. And so much more!

Equality is a necessity, not a trend. Women weren’t created for the entertainment of men. For ages, men have claimed their superiority just because they are men. A feminist, on the other hand, just wants to be treated as an equal, irrespective of its gender. In the nutshell, feminism does not prove that one sex is greater than the other or give autonomous power to women or prove that men are inferior; it simply states that we are all equal.

So, if you believe in gender equality, you know the meaning of feminism. Congratulations, you are a feminist (and we wouldn't take our wishes back if you are a man as feminism is for everybody). Welcome aboard!

Why do we need a Krishna in every home?

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Before writing anything, let us make it clear that the 'Krishna' here in the question is not the idol worshiped in the temples. Instead, we are talking solely about the divine masculine power who saved Draupadi from the humiliation of Kauravas.

Well, this act of chivalry created a cliché, and since then, it was assumed that the feminine gender always need masculine gender to protect themselves from individuals of that group! The question arises, why does a female needs a 'protector' who is always a male? Why does the society stress on having a male companionship if the woman is to survive well in the world?

But alas, the tragedy is that there is no answer to this question.

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Recently, when India celebrated its Republic Day, this country gave all the women around the world a reason to hold their heads high as a female Wing Commander, Pooja Thakur, lead the parade that welcomed their guest of honor, Barack Obama, the President of the USA.

Just an opinion, every year on rakshabandhan when a sister ties rakhi on her brother's wrist (who might even be younger), appointing him as her protector, she must wonder about the credibility of this relationship. How and why should he protect her? His job is to be her brother and not her bodyguard.

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Cleopatra, Mother Lu, Zenobia, Baltazara Chuiza,  Rani Lakshmibai, Ani Pachen, Corazon Aquino,  Yulia Tymoshenko,  Asmaa Mahfouz ,  Aya Virginie Toure. Whether these ladies used the violent or the non - violent ways, they surely came and the surely conquered, without any male support.

Women are supposed to be protected by men from the cruel world, which is also made by men. Hypocrisy, don't you think? Depending on the opposite sex, physically or emotionally, is part of the symbiotic relationship, hence, should be applicable on both the sexes. We all need to accept the fact that a woman is like Zephyr, preserver and destroyer. If she is strong enough to bear all the pain to bring you into this world, if she is intense enough to fight for her country and run it on her own, then, she is highly equipped to take care of herself.

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So, please stop patronizing her, she doesn't deserve it. She doesn't need to be guarded. She is capable enough to manage all the worlds in her little life!

                                            Happy Women's Day to all

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