Feminism is the advocacy of women’s rights on the ground of the equality of the sexes
Oxford Dictionary
The first waves of feminism commenced during 19th and early 20th century campaigning for women’s voting rights. The consequent liberation movement and the most recent Me Too Movement have established that to be a feminist is to promote equality of all the sexes across social, political and economic fronts.
According to the World Economic Forum 2018 Global Gender Gap Report, absolute gender equality is still 108 years away. The most significant gender gaps are found in women’s participation in politics and economy. It also reveals that approximately 12 million girls below the age of 18 are married on an average every year. This restricts the modernization and economic progress of the country.
Gender equality remains to be one of the most relevant issues which should be addressed in the 21st century. Understanding and practicing feminism becomes important in this context. Some interpret feminism as anti-male. No, it isn’t. Feminism is about ending sexism. It aims to liberate men from the cage of masculinity where they are supposed to be always strong and never display a sign of emotional weakness and liberate women from sexist oppressions imposed on them.
Most of the people who believe that they are feminists actually practice feminism lite not feminism. Feminism Lite is a concept of conditional female equality and it’s not feminism. “Your husband allows you to work even after marriage! You are so lucky!” This is a classic example of Feminism Lite. This puts across the idea that men are naturally superior to women and when they are good to women, they should be praised for their large-heartedness. Feminism Lite, by praising women for working behind the scenes never questions why men get the credit? or why women must work behind the scenes? Why should she disguise her power and stay out of the limelight?
It is historically proven that powerful women are closely proctored by the society than powerful men. She is always expected to show a domestic version of herself to gain approval. As a general rule, this isn’t applicable for men. There are both men and women in the society conditioned to be intimidated by powerful women in the limelight. They use Feminism Lite to raise insecure, polished and likeable girls to cater to egoistic men and this cycle is hard to break.
The world has evolved and it is still progressing at a tremendous pace. But our ideas around gender and the consequent gender stereotypes haven’t evolved enough to reduce gender gap to zero. We have come a long way in our journey towards the equality of sexes. But we still have a long way to go until the dream is accomplished. The road ahead is full of hurdles like feminism lite. But that is no reason to lose hope. Let’s put an end to gender inequality by raising both our sons and daughters as feminists.
Check out the article on Dear Ijeawele, or A Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions
