THE ‘F’ WORD.  Breaking down the stigma linked to feminism

Feminism. The ‘F’ word seems to make many people recoil like there is a bitter taste in their mouths. But what is it about feminism that provokes this reaction? It is, after all, a gender equality movement.

Shouldn’t we all be comfortable with gender equality in 2022?

Gender inequality is something that impacts everyone. We are all united in the fact that we have grown up in a gender biassed society. We are all influenced by gender.

Gender roles tell us what is appropriate for girls and boys, women and men within our society. These have been constructed over generations of civilization. The foundations of feminism, in a sense. 

So, what is it about Feminism that seemingly makes people uncomfortable? 

Many women struggle to completely identify as a ‘Feminist’  without immediately saying “but I love men!” straight after. This is due to the negative connotations that come with the term.

Associating the term Feminism with angry women and “men haters” threatens the success of the movement within our society. Highlighting the importance of education for future generations to ensure these beliefs are not internalised.

Feminism is about breaking down the gender limitations that have been sewn into the fabric of our society one stitch at a time.

Patriarchal notions that have been woven in plain sight, over hundreds of years, with each stitch imposing a new limit, social stigma or law onto women, gradually demoting their political, economic and social equality within our society. 

First, It is important to consider the history behind Feminism, so you can develop your own opinion in respect of the social stigma surrounding the movement. 

In the search for freedom, the western world began to cut ties with the extreme patriarchal conventions embedded and largely accepted in society.

In doing so, the First wave of Feminism was born! Achieving the right for women to vote allows women to express their political views, which had never been achieved before. The approval of this law allowed our male-governed society to publicly recognise that women have political interests and opinions.

This was one of the most significant steps in the history of feminism paving the way for women and female politicians today.

Despite, the progress of feminism, there is still a long way to go for the movement on a global scale.

Other parts of the world remain burdened by social and political agendas unable to escape the patriarchal gender roles that shape their laws.

In Yemen, a woman is considered only half a witness in a court of law as a woman is “not recognised” as a full person unless she testifies with a man.

Women cannot vote in Saudi Arabia and Vatican City over 100 years after the suffragette movement began in the UK. Emphasising that women are still oppressed globally, so the fight for true feminism is far but over.

Now, western world feminists are campaigning for women to have the right to their own body, the right to an education, the right to equal pay as well as career opportunities and the choice of independence or marriage. 

Here are five ways that you can be a better ally to women by becoming a better feminist: 

 

1. Educate yourself.

If you don’t already know, it’s important to understand the challenges that women face on a daily basis. By educating yourself, you can begin to deconstruct any internalised gender notions you may have. Understand the varying ways that women experience discrimination. Intersectionality, for instance, impacts women from a range of backgrounds, where women face additional challenges due to their race, gender, sexuality, disability, class and faith. You can educate yourself by asking women, and learning about the circumstances of feminism on a global scale.

 

2. Recognise that you have the privilege. 

Oftentimes, it takes an awareness to notice our own privilege. If you have not been checked on your privilege before, you may fall into a bias that you do not intend to. We are all biassed, no one isn’t. But by checking your privilege you might soon learn that others have faced hardship and impediments that you did not have to. By checking your privilege, you are more likely to be inclusive in your home and at work. 

 

3 Forget about gender roles.

Gender roles have been developed and passed on through the generations of humanity dictating how we should act and live. Avoid making assumptions about people based on their gender, as it does not define their capabilities. Women and men should share equal responsibilities and opportunities in the workplace and in the home. Remember, children are born without prejudice, avoid teaching children to limit their perception of themselves in relation to gender roles.

 

4 Listen and keep an open mind.

With mansplaining becoming a trending term of the year. It has to be said that if we all listened and practised active listening, our relationships and collaboration in the workplace might go more smoothly; creating a better, more inclusive work environment for everyone. 

Empathy and compassion for the concerns of women go a long way in becoming an ally to women. Don’t dismiss their feelings, because they are unfamiliar to you. Follow these tips and you will be a fully-fledged, unapologetic feminist in no time.