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!