What is True Feminism?

 

By Beki Hafsoh

In recent years, feminism has become a term that almost every woke female feels obligated to identify with. Some men even identify as feminists. However, not everyone who claims to be a feminist truly understands what feminism is about. Feminism is not about hiding behind a screen and causing commotion on X. It is not about dragging men for no reason. It is not about having a problem with the word “mango” because it has “MAN” in its spelling. Feminism is not about blindly supporting women, especially when they are at fault.

If we trace modern feminism back to its origins, can we boldly say it remains the same?

Is the agenda still consistent? Early feminism can be traced to the 3rd century BCE when Roman women protested to repeal laws limiting their access to expensive goods. In medieval Europe, women were denied the right to own property, study, or participate in public life. By the end of the 19th century in France and Germany, women were forced to cover their heads in public. Husbands had the right to sell their wives and women were banned from conducting business without a male representative. They were also not allowed to vote. Essentially, society was deeply unfavourable to women. Christine de Pisan and Laura Cereta were among the early feminists who challenged this patriarchal society.

Feminism is a movement that advocates gender equality in all aspects of life, including political, economic, and social spheres. It addresses issues such as reproductive rights, domestic violence, maternity leave, equal pay, sexual harassment, discrimination, and sexual violence.

The first wave of feminism started fully in the mid-19th century and lasted until 1920. This era focused on political equality, particularly giving women the right to vote and addressing basic issues affecting women at the time. Unfortunately, racism was prevalent during this wave, meaning women of colour were often excluded.

The second wave of feminism emerged from the 1960s to the early 1980s. It advocated for the rights of all women, irrespective of cultural differences and inequalities. This wave emphasised gender norms and the role of women in society.

The third wave of feminism began in the mid-1990s and continued into the 2010s. It tackled workplace harassment, pay disparities, and media representation.

The fourth wave of feminism, which started in the mid-2010s and continues to the present, has been termed “hard to define.” Some argue it is merely a continuation of the third wave, but it remains a topic of debate.

However, in recent times, a distorted version of feminism has emerged, one that promotes gender rivalry rather than equality. True feminism is not about pitting genders against each other. It’s not about creating a hierarchy where one gender is superior. Instead, it’s about recognising the inherent value and potential of all individuals, regardless of gender. It’s about challenging harmful stereotypes and biases that limit men and women.

Unfortunately, the current wave of feminism has often strayed from these principles. It has become increasingly common to see women using their newfound voices to belittle and demean men. This approach not only undermines the progress made by the feminist movement but also contributes to the very inequalities it seeks to eradicate.

It’s important to acknowledge that both men and women are capable of good and bad behaviour. No gender has a monopoly on virtue. Both sexes are flawed and prone to making mistakes. However, by focusing solely on the negative aspects of the opposite gender, we create a toxic environment where understanding and cooperation become impossible.

True feminism recognises that gender equality is not about one gender winning at the expense of the other. It’s about creating a society where both men and women can thrive and reach their full potential. This can only be achieved through mutual respect, understanding, and collaboration. The focus should be on building bridges, not walls while celebrating the achievements of men and women and creating a world where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Given my belief that both men and women can exhibit harmful behaviours, I have chosen to identify as non-binary. I believe it is safer to be cautious of people, regardless of gender.