Are You A Feminist?

The fastest way to change society is to mobilize the women of the world. -Charles Malik

It is a pity that in a country where women are said to be worshipped, there is widespread discrimination even before they are born and injustice meted out to them in such a male chauvinistic world in many degrees. Brutal practices like female feticide throw light on our attitude. Talk of the dowry system, harassments, rapes, the 'purdah' system or the working women who are physically and verbally abused, denied opportunities for growth, and are subjected to discrimination.

I agree that education and economic independence are two primary tools that can empower women to fight for their rights. Proper lawmaking and execution, spreading awareness, exemplary punishment for the predators can surely bring positive changes. But does it all sound cliched to you in today’s modern times talking of cruelty on women which has been going since ages and somewhere at the back of your mind you are letting yourself believe in the fact that things have changed now?

Well, what we are talking about here aren't merely "things." We are talking about the ability of women to enjoy their rights and to be able to improve their economic status and wellbeing. That is what Women Empowerment means. Unless women know their worth and value themselves by standing up for themselves as well as for other women, they will be bounded by the shackles of male chauvinism.

Women today generally introduce themselves as feminists. Let me enlighten you; feminism isn't about hating men; it isn't about them feeling any superior to the men or even wanting themselves to be prioritized. It is about the need for women's power to be highlighted for all that they have been through over the years. It is about the belief in the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes.

Being a part of the youth; exercising my freedom of speech with due respect to all my feminist readers out there, I do not propagate feminism and wholeheartedly support gender equality instead. Feminism advocates the rights of 'women' while gender quality is concerned with the rights of everyone, irrespective of the gender. Isn't it ethical to respect every gender? I am not a feminist. I strive for equality. I am a woman, and I know my powers and strengths. I am a humanist. Not all women support feminism, and not all men oppose feminism.

I do not wish women to have power over men, but over themselves. -Mary Shelly