One of my favorite courses that I took in college was a Women and Gender Studies class where we dove into the intersectionality between race, gender, nationality, sexuality, and more. One of our first homework assignments was to go around campus asking random students two questions: ‘Are you a feminist?’ and ‘What does feminism mean to you?’
I found myself nervous to complete the assignment. I knew how some of my male friends and even some of my female friends would react if I asked them these questions. I even noticed that I was anxious to proclaim that I myself was a feminist. Because for so many being a feminist is radical. We are often stereotyped as people who don’t value men, or who want women to be placed on a pedestal above men, when in reality, a feminist is someone who wants to see equality and a more inclusive world for all (1).
Throughout U.S. history, feminism has challenged various issues, from fighting for and gaining the right to vote in 1920 to pushing for women’s reproductive rights over the past 50 years (2). Living in the United States, a country with an abundance of wealth and lots of privilege, I think it can be hard to get through to those who push against the feminisim movement. There have been so many positive advances for women’s rights, that at first glance it appears that women and men could be equal. Many who don’t understand the need for modern-day feminism look at the United States and see that women can vote and hold high-paying jobs just like men, and think, ‘What are you complaining about? In other countries you can see the inequality, but here men and women are treated the same.’
Even though we have come so far, there are still big strides to be made within the feminisim movement within the United States. While I am able to vote, hold a corporate job, and live a very fulfilling life, there are still moments each day where I feel my female identity fiercely, and am reminded of the need for modern-day feminism. One of the main instances is when I am walking outside alone. I am hyperaware that at any point a man could take advantage of me and that if something does happen, it is very likely that if I will be seriously questioned and perhaps that my story won’t be believed. It is so important that this movement continues to push for believing victims, holding abusers accountable, and creating safer spaces for all people to ‘be’ in the world.
And at the same time that I acknowledge that this movement still has work to do, I simultaneously acknowledge that as a white woman, I have had an easier path than any minority woman. Another big change that I believe needs to happen within the movement is providing space for black women, Latinx women, and all other minority women to raise their voices, by looking at these gender inequalities with more of an ‘intersectional lens.’ In the past, the feminist movement has been mostly dominated by white women, leaving out the experiences of many minority groups. Majandra Rodriguez Acha, a youth leader in Peru said, “Those who are most impacted by gender-based violence, and by gender inequalities, are also the most impoverished and marginalized—black and brown women, indigenous women, women in rural areas, young girls, girls living with disabilities, trans youth and gender non-conforming youth,” (3). Leaving out the voices of all of these groups of women does these women and the movement an injustice. We need multiple perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences to continue to push toward gender equality for all.
As Women’s History Month comes to a close, I encourage you to think about what feminism means to you. Start by reflecting on how you feel about the word itself. Does it have a positive or negative connotation? Do you feel strongly about it? Do you feel connected to this word? If so, do you feel empowered by connecting to this word or do you feel judged? What does feminisim mean to you?
To me, being a feminist means valuing all humans equally. It means celebrating the amazing women around me. It means unlearning gender expectations, and sharing household chores with my significant other. It means raising my voice and voting in elections. It means being aware of my privilege and challenging my perspective and beliefs around women’s issues. It means making space for minority women to tell their story and believing them. It means supporting organizations that empower women with the tools they need to thrive.
As you reflect on what feminisim means to you, take a moment and watch Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s TEDx Talk about why we should all be feminists (4). It may just change your perspective and inspire you to join (or continue to raise) your voice as a modern-day feminist.