Feminism – What People Think it is Vs. What it Actually is?

Feminism is an overused buzzword we’re all aware of. Though the intention of this word isn’t bad, misconceptions and poor knowledge have thrown it in bad light. In fact, people these days are even scared to call themselves feminist. Despite so many articles floating on the internet, feminism continues to be the most controversial “F” word. Before we delve into what people think feminism is, let us understand the definition.

Feminism Definition

According to Wikipedia, feminism is a range of socio-political movements and ideologies that aim to define and establish the political, economic, personal, and social equality of the sexes. It does not seek to exploit or harass men in any field as many so-called “intellectuals” think.

What People Think Feminism Is?

Feminism is:

• a movement aimed at destroying men
• aimed at making men feel lesser than women
• about treating men as trash and oppressing them
• a fight for power and forming matriarchy
• a westernised concept
• about hating men
• about controlling the world

Unfortunately, this is what people think about feminism. Feminists are also referred to as “men haters”. People don’t understand the real meaning of gender equality. Owing to this confusion, the word is feared and looked down upon across the world. Even people who’ve worked for women rights all their lives are scared to associate themselves with feminism.

Now that we know what people think about feminism, let’s discuss what it actually is.

What Feminism Actually Means?

Feminism aims:

• to eradicate violence against women
• at destroying the patriarchal ideas cemented in society
• at improving the status of being a woman so that equal rights can be enjoyed
• to challenge the status quo to stop oppressing women
• to empower women to achieve their goals
• to free people from the shackles of patriarchy
• to fight against gender stereotypes and seek professional opportunities for women

There’s nothing wrong with demanding equal rights, opportunities or gender equality at the workplace. The problem lies in the thinking and, wrong ideologies and notions people have. The plea is only about gender equality at all levels. Societies across the world usually give exclusive rights and privileges to men. For example, when a man stands up for himself or his rights, he’s never branded as being bossy. On the other hand, if the same thing is done by a woman, she’s subjected to all kinds of name-calling. Women, in general, are treated unfairly. A major reason feminism is a misconstrued term is because it challenges gender norms. Since it aims to establish a world where everyone can enjoy equal rights, people who have a patriarchal mindset are reluctant to support the movement. In the quest of this, they end up confusing it with misandry.

In no way do feminists intend to subjugate men. Instead, they work for women rights – right to work, to abolish gender pay gap, to be respected within marriage and the right to have paid maternity leave. Supporting the rights of women or gender equality at the workplace isn’t asking for too much, right?

The need of the hour is to explain “what feminism is” to people from all walks of life. A lot of activists who used to voice their opinions once upon a time are now silent as they feel feminism has been achieved. However, we need to make them aware that we still have miles to go as far as creating an equal society is concerned.

Even today, standing up against injustice and discrimination is as important as it was a few years ago.

Gender Equity Vs. Gender Equality

While there is a lot of discussion around feminism, another topic that is grabbing eyeballs is gender equity vs. gender equality. Though the two terms might seem similar, they have different meanings.

Gender equality refers to equal outcomes for men, women and all individuals. It is what feminism stands for too. On the other hand, gender equity refers to the process of achieving gender equality. Equality does not mean men and women have to be the same. Instead, it’s important to ensure that both enjoy equal rights, responsibilities and opportunities. Gender equity means fairness of treatment according to the respective needs of both men and women. It strives to bring men and women to an equal playing field.

There is a desperate need for gender equality as owing to age-old historical and societal obstacles, women and other gender-diverse individuals are not given the same stature as that of men.

Currently, men are promoted at 30% higher rates compared to women in their career. Also, 90% of women leave the workforce because of workplace problems. Women are also paid significantly lesser compared to their male counterparts in a lot of fields. If equality is the end goal, equity is the means to get there.

Feminism Benefits Everyone

The need of the hour is for youngsters to empower each other. There is a common misconception that only women can be feminists and feminism only benefits women. However, it only strives to achieve equality of the sexes, not superiority of women. It is important to take steps to abolish sexism completely. Despite multiple measures, a gender pay gap still exists and that is the largest example of sexism in India. Women are not even taken seriously at the workplace.

Feminism is a movement everyone can and should get involved with. The next time someone mocks you for being a feminist, don’t take it as an insult, instead look at it as a compliment.

Let’s create a world where everyone is respected and given equal opportunities irrespective of their gender.

Is there any gender-based bias you’ve faced at your workplace? Narrate them in the comments section below.