In today’s society, feminism is strongly criticized and for all the wrong reasons. Some may believe that feminism refers to a “man-hating” [1]woman with bitter rage against the male gender. “Feminism” must probably be one of the most misunderstood terms and movement of the modern era, leading people to disregard any woman or even man who proclaim themselves as feminists, and feeling repelled by them.
 
With the rise of radical feminist movements such as the Pussy Riots, feminism has been accredited the reputation of “Feminazis”. It [Radical feminism] usually portrays women as fighters against the male gender and the complete rejection of it by any possible means. Thus, an obscene percentage[2] of the population worldwide according to recent studies has a preconceived notion of what feminism is (most of the percentage being men). However, feminism in its true definition, is the desire of equality between the two genders. Equality as in complementarity. A woman shouldn’t be offended if a man offers his services in helping her to carry grocery store bags. It doesn’t mean a lack of acknowledgment of her strengths, capacities and independence. In this particular case, a great example of equality would be having the same salaries, job opportunities and exactly the same fundamental rights, as proclaimed by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights of 1948.
 
Need we remind you the blood shed by the suffragettes in the 50’s in order for women to have the right to vote? Need we remind you that women in countries such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia are still not allowed to drive a car? [3]– In its true definition, feminism does not ask to be above “meninism” but rather to be equal to it, to be in a society where no one is above the other gender.
 
Leaning into a psychological level to have a look in regards of behavior: Many are those who would argue that chivalry and lady like attitude and etiquette, are thereof no longer needed if there is to be an equality between the two parties (specifically on from a man’s point of view). I beg to differ: Being in a society, we all conduct ourselves to be polite and nice to each other. Furthermore, good manners are a representation of good social behavior and to disregard them wouldn’t be morally correct. If a man shows interest and chivalry towards a woman by opening her door and showing her affection does not make a woman less of a feminist because Feminism isn’t about rejecting a man’s affection or chivalry; It is about accepting it whilst knowing that you are both equal and do not owe each other anything.
 
In fact, I was strongly impressed by the Women’s March in Washington D.C that took place a couple of days ago. The number of participants was spectacular, on top with a significant engagement and contribution on social medias by users, celebrities, digital influencers and even politicians. However, the most surprising thing I noticed were the men present in this march. We often speak of feminist women, yet we tend to forget that men can be part of this movement too. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada is one of the greatest examples representing this movement. He [Justin] has publicly preached feminism for what it truly is, and has tried through the influence of social medias to further spread the movement.[4]
 
Ironically, decades after advocating the extension of the fundamental right to vote in public elections as a woman; those same fighters were now seen, once again, marching alongside their daughters and granddaughters for their rights, showing that they “have made incredible progress for gender equality, but they're not there yet”. [5]
 
This movement inspired another one right here, “#MabroukBas” in Lebanon, led by the LAU Human Rights Club after the country witnessed the abolishment of Article 522, legally granting permission for a man who has raped, to marry his victim and coming from the Lebanese Penal Code and known to be a legal framework protecting rapists. The movement emphasized on how there is still a long way to go when concerning women’s rights and gender equality. For instance, there are still no rules protecting forced child marriages in the country and only 3% of MP’s are women in the Lebanese Parliament; whilst they are also prohibited from passing on the Lebanese nationality to their children.

I would like to conclude this article by pointing out an important issue in regards of mentalities, more specifically towards men’s mentalities and how some, including myself may agree that it is difficult to make them change their minds. It is, especially if you are raised in a typical patriarchal society (best example: The Middle East) where men are The Men and a woman is ... well just a woman. It is not them that we need to educate but the newborn generation from a young age. Parents, who educate their children should teach both their sons and daughters that they are equal and that they must respect each other because at the end of the day, children are the reflection of their parents. And if the parents do not believe in social equality, then how do you expect a child, who grows up in such an environment, to think otherwise.

To all of you who have read this article, I kindly advise you to take some time to reflect on the things you believe in and most importantly to raise your voices on important topics such as this one because it concerns everyone, all around the world, as well as the future generation that is to come.

Tatiana x


[1]  Samantha King, IN A NUTSHELL – Feminism, an endangered species? http://beta.philstar.com/lifestyle/young-star/2012/03/30/792102/feminist-endangered-species
 

[2] Emily Swanson, Poll: Few Identify As Feminists, But Most Believe In Equality Of Sexes, The Huffington Post (16th April 2013) http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/04/16/feminism-poll_n_3094917.html
 

[3] The Week, Seven things in Saudi Arabia that woman are not allowed to do : http://www.theweek.co.uk/60339/nine-things-women-cant-do-in-saudi-arabia
 
 

[4] Justin Trudeau “Urges Men to be feminists”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUtRnkm1GlY
 

[5] #NotThere by http://www.notthere.noceilings.org