Equal means equal

I wanted to write about this topic, just to be clear and show my perspective. This issue is important to me. I see a lot of people who don’t understand what feminism means. It’s important because we need to be together if we want to win our rights. But at the same time, I don’t feel strong enough to explain this situation. To tell the truth, I believe deeply in gender equality, and when you believe so much in something, it can make you sensitive inside.

While it is important to address misunderstandings about feminism, failure to understand the diverse perspectives and goals of the movement can result in a loss to address critical issues related to gender-based oppression and inequality, and limit progress toward creating a more equitable and just society for all.

We can start by trying to understand Feminism. I would like to give some theoretical details about this approach. How the idea of feminism starts, how it changes and takes shape, we need to see the whole process.

First-wave feminism refers to the feminist movement that emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which focused primarily on women’s suffrage (the right to vote) and political equality. First-wave feminists advocated for legal and political reforms that would grant women the same rights and opportunities as men. They also worked to challenge the traditional gender roles that limited women’s opportunities and perpetuated gender-based discrimination.

Second-wave feminism emerged in the 1960s and 1970s and was characterized by a focus on social and cultural issues, as well as greater diversity within the feminist movement. Second-wave feminists advocated for reproductive rights, equal pay for equal work, and an end to gender-based violence and discrimination. They also challenged traditional notions of femininity and masculinity and called for greater representation of women in all areas of society.

Third-wave feminism emerged in the 1990s and focused on issues of identity, diversity, and intersectionality. Third-wave feminists sought to broaden the feminist movement to include women from diverse backgrounds and experiences, including women of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities. They also emphasized the importance of individual agency and choice in challenging gender-based inequalities.

It’s worth noting that these waves of feminism are not necessarily distinct or separate from one another, and there are ongoing debates within the feminist movement about the best approaches to achieving gender equality. Nonetheless, the waves of feminism provide a helpful framework for understanding the historical and ideological development of the feminist movement.

On the other hand, there are some important terms about feminism to know what we are talking about.

Gender equality: Feminists believe that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities in all areas of life, including politics, education, employment, and personal relationships. Feminists argue that gender-based discrimination, stereotypes, and violence are all barriers to achieving gender equality.

Intersectionality: Feminists recognize that gender intersects with other aspects of identity, such as race, class, sexuality, and ability, to shape individuals’ experiences of oppression and privilege. Intersectionality emphasizes the importance of considering multiple and overlapping forms of oppression when advocating for social justice.

Critique of patriarchy: Feminists critique patriarchal systems of power and domination, which are rooted in traditional gender roles that give men power and control over women. Feminists argue that patriarchy harms both women and men and perpetuates gender-based inequalities.

Empowerment: Feminists seek to empower women and marginalized groups by advocating for their rights and providing them with the tools and resources they need to thrive. This may involve creating safe spaces for women, supporting women’s economic independence, and promoting women’s leadership roles in all areas of society.

Solidarity: Feminists believe in the importance of building solidarity among women and marginalized groups to challenge systems of oppression and work towards a more just and equitable society. This involves listening to and amplifying the voices of those who have been historically marginalized and advocating for their rights alongside one another.

Ecofeminism: A feminist perspective that emphasizes the interconnections between the oppression of women and the exploitation of the natural environment. Ecofeminism recognizes that the systems of power that perpetuate gender-based oppression are also responsible for environmental destruction and ecological harm.

So how come feminism gets misconstrued?

Misunderstandings about feminism are common and often stem from a lack of education and societal conditioning. One common misconception is that feminism is about female superiority or that feminists hate men. However, this is far from the truth. Feminism is about gender equality and the belief that all individuals should have the same rights and opportunities, regardless of their gender.

Another misunderstanding is the idea that feminism is no longer necessary in modern society. While significant progress has been made in terms of women’s rights, gender inequality and discrimination still exist in many areas of society. Women continue to face challenges in areas such as the workplace, politics, and healthcare. Feminism is still necessary to address these issues and to ensure that everyone has equal opportunities and rights.

The patriarchal effect is another concept that is often misunderstood. Patriarchy is a system of social organization in which men hold power and dominate in various aspects of society, such as politics, business, and culture. The patriarchal effect refers to the ways in which patriarchal systems have a negative impact on everyone, including men. Patriarchal systems limit men’s emotional expression, restrict their roles in caregiving, and perpetuate harmful stereotypes about masculinity. Feminism seeks to challenge and dismantle these systems to create a more equitable society for all individuals.

It’s important to recognize these misunderstandings and work to educate others about the true goals and values of feminism. By understanding the ways in which gender inequality and discrimination continue to impact society, we can work towards a more just and equitable world for everyone.

Feminism is a monolithic movement with a single agenda: Feminism is a diverse movement with many different perspectives and goals. While all forms of feminism share a commitment to gender equality, there are many different approaches to achieving this goal, and feminists may have different priorities and beliefs about how to best address gender-based inequalities.

Feminists are all the same: Feminists come from a variety of backgrounds and have diverse experiences and perspectives. Not all feminists share the same beliefs or priorities, and there is room for debate and disagreement within the feminist movement.

Feminism is only concerned with issues that affect women in wealthy countries: Feminism seeks to address gender-based inequalities and discrimination on a global scale, including issues such as child marriage, female genital mutilation, and access to education and healthcare for women in developing countries. Feminism recognizes that gender-based oppression and inequality are universal issues that must be addressed on a global scale.

Can we use gender equality instead of feminism?

Gender equality is the goal of achieving fairness and equal treatment for individuals of all genders. It encompasses issues related to social, economic, and political rights, as well as access to education, healthcare, and other opportunities.

Feminism is a social and political movement that seeks to achieve gender equality and dismantle patriarchal systems of power and oppression. Feminism aims to promote the rights and interests of women, as well as other marginalized groups, and to create a more just and equitable society for everyone.

Both terms are closely related and share the goal of creating a world where all individuals, regardless of their gender, have the same rights and opportunities. So, you can use either or both terms in discussing the topic.

By understanding the history and goals of the feminist movement, we can recognize the ways in which gender-based oppression intersects with other forms of oppression, such as racism, ableism, and homophobia. This understanding can lead to greater awareness of the ways in which gender-based discrimination affects all areas of life, from the workplace to the home, and can inform efforts to create a more equitable and just society for all. Furthermore, understanding feminism can help promote gender equality by providing a basis for advocating for policies and practices that promote gender equity, such as equal pay for equal work, access to reproductive healthcare, and protections against gender-based violence.

Dignity, respect, and justice for all!

Aysenur Kursun