I’ve come across numerous definitions of feminism on the internet. Unfortunately many of them misinterpret feminism as a movement against men. Additionally, some women also view feminism as a shield for defending any actions by women against men.
However, these perspectives miss a vital truth about feminism, that it is fundamentally rooted in Equality.
Yes, feminism seeks to empower women, but only under the principle of equality across all genders.
Seeing these misconceptions inspired me to clearly differentiate what feminism truly is and what it is not. I’ll also include a discussion about women’s empowerment as it is often misunderstood and misapplied, just like feminism.
Let’s break it down:
What Feminism Is and What It Is Not
- Feminism is for women, not against men.
- Feminism opposes patriarchy, which is upheld by both men and women, and it is not a fight solely against men.
- Feminism highlights women’s issues without promoting hatred towards men.
- Feminism ensures that women have equal human rights, not necessarily every right that men have.
When we talk about human rights, feminism ensures women have the right to:
- Study
- Marry or not marry
- Eat, wear, speak, sing etc.
- Pursue careers and own property
- Vote and contribute to a nation’s development
- Decide whether to have children or not
- Be recognized as complete individuals, with or without a partner
- Fight against violence
- Participate in national defense, become homemakers and so on.
Human rights for women are about fundamental equality, not copying what men do. It’s important to note that men can also face situations where their human rights are violated.
- Feminism encourages women to be educated and self-reliant, it does not advocate becoming “like men.”
- Feminism reminds both women and men that equality does not mean sameness.
- Feminism teaches women to see men as normal humans with emotions, vulnerabilities, strengths, and weaknesses just like themselves and not as the center of their lives.
- Feminism empowers individuals to live without regrets, make their own choices and respect honest suggestions rather than dismissing those offering constructive advice.
- Feminism promotes women’s personal and public empowerment without encouraging hatred towards men.
- Feminism inspires women to strive to be their best selves, not to become bitter.
In essence, feminism is about uplifting women while maintaining the foundation of equality.
Women Empowerment: What It Truly Means
As I mentioned earlier, women’s empowerment is another concept that is often misunderstood.
True empowerment comes when women take charge of their life choices and decisions, realizing they are capable of achieving anything they desire and deserving of the best in life. While recognizing that everyone else in society are equally important and equally deserving of all good.
Unfortunately, we see a significant gap between what empowerment should be and what it takes to achieve it. The disparities in women’s lives and struggles (especially in rural and less-privileged areas), highlight this gap.
Many people form their opinions based on the most visible parts of society, ignoring the challenges faced by those in the shadows. Those in minority group’s or marginalized communities struggles often remain hidden, unaddressed and misunderstood.
What I’ve learned from this is that we need to remove ourselves from our biases and try to see these issues from the perspective of those who have endured them.
Otherwise, we will continue arguing over “what about”s instead of addressing the root issues.