Feminism

fem·i·nism

[ˈfeməˌnizəm]

NOUN

  1. the advocacy of women's rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men.

Today, I want to refresh what feminism means and why I'm a feminist.  While we've definitely made 2017 the year of the woman - I think in all of the happenings in the world - some people have either forgotten what feminism means and what true feminists are fighting for or they’ve turned feminism into villanism. 

Feminism is not a dirty word.  Feminism is powerfully positive.  

Feminism is (amongst many other things):

  1. The belief in equality of the sexes
  2. A fight to bring women's interests and rights to the forefront of politics
  3. A social rights movement
  4. Bringing education about women's interests and rights to the public eye
  5. Encouraging women to stand up for themselves and their beliefs - even when we do not agree on the same beliefs

Feminism is not (among many other things):

  1. Women who hate men
  2. Women attempting to take away rights of men (unless they infringe upon equality)
  3. Emasculating men
  4. Only for Democrats
  5. Only about reproductive rights

Feminism is believing women should have the same rights in this country as men do.  And it's believing women have a voice that is just as important as any man's.  And real feminists believe that while we may not all agree with each other, we will fight for your right to believe in those values (unless they direct hate or inequality to others).  

I am a feminist because I believe in myself.  I am a feminist because I believe in other women.  I am a feminist because I first and foremost value equality over hate, ignorance, and creating laws that exclude others based upon gender, sexuality, or race. 

I believe I should be paid the same as men.  I believe I should make choices about my body without interference from others.  I believe my voice is just as powerful as any man's.  I believe I am worthy of as much respect as any man.  I believe I am more than what I look like. 

I am a feminist and I believe in equality.

Before you bash feminism, call feminists "feminazis" or refer to the movement as exclusive, angry, or for women only - educate yourself.  Do the research, talk to women who are fighting for what feminism actually stands for.  The world would be a whole lot better if we were all feminists.