Today, I want to share my thoughts on Kamla Bhasin’s powerful TEDx Talk titled “Feminism for All.” The video was uploaded on September 25, 2017, on the TEDx Talks YouTube channel.
Kamla Bhasin speaks about the meaning of feminism—what it means to her personally, how her life shaped her understanding of it, and why feminism is essential for building a better society.
She opens her talk with a bold and refreshing declaration:
“I am a feminist, and I do not hate men or the women who are not feminist. I am a feminist, and I laugh.”
This opening sets a thoughtful and clarifying tone for a topic that is often misheard, misinterpreted, or misunderstood—whether by accident or intention.
Gender inequality is not one problem, it is a collection of problems. And men must be part of the solution.
Amartya Sen (Indian economist and philosopher)
She goes on to explain what her feminism is, acknowledging that there are multiple feminisms and feminist perspectives. I completely agree with her.
I believe there are as many forms of feminism as there are feminists, non-feminists, and even anti-feminists in the world. For some, their definition of feminism is shaped by personal experience; for others, it’s a basic instinct for equal opportunity and respect—whether or not they know the ideology by name. Unfortunately, some definitions also arise from misunderstanding, resistance, or hatred—either towards true feminists or so-called “fake” feminists.
Kamla explains that her feminism is against patriarchy.
And it’s important to clarify: patriarchy is a system where men are considered superior—but being against patriarchy does not mean feminism is against men. In fact, many women continue to accept, teach, and practice patriarchy, sometimes even more strongly than men. That’s why it always needs repeating: feminism is not anti-men; it is anti-discrimination, anti-violence, and anti-sexism.
She shares a brilliant observation: whenever a woman refuses to be a doormat, society calls her a feminist. Why? Because feminism says women are human—a simple truth that patriarchy has often refused to acknowledge.
For generations, patriarchy has placed men at the top of a social hierarchy—above women, and sometimes even above nature. In this system, women are often seen as existing for men. But the truth is, patriarchy harms both. It limits everyone’s ability to simply be human.
Kamla then speaks about her own journey—how she grew up in a world shaped by normalized patriarchy, abuse, and deeply rooted religious and cultural restrictions. She shares how her path toward liberal thought and belief in equality helped her break free from these chains.
She beautifully explains that equality liberates both men and women from rigid gender roles. Her own life is a perfect example of how a woman’s freedom can lead to freedom for men too.
Kamla also critiques popular films and songs to show how society has normalized various forms of violence—physical, verbal, and even emotional.
In the end, she says:
Anyone who believes that every person is human, has the right to live fully, and doesn’t care about gender when it comes to respect—is a feminist.
Kamla Bhasin covers almost everything about feminism and equality in her talk, and she does it in a way that’s simple, relatable, and deeply human. Her words invite you to reflect on your own life—and maybe even recognize where inequality has left its marks.
I highly recommend watching this talk. Here.
Here are my thoughts on What Feminism Is and What it is Not.
Thank you for reading. See you next time.