Let’s start by understanding the actual meaning of feminism:
“A belief that all sexes should be treated equally – politically, economically, and socially.“ (Definition provided by Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

The definition sounds pretty reasonable, doesn’t it? So why do so many of us feel so nervous about calling ourselves, feminists?

Well, one of the reasons is that this term is misrepresented in the media and social media sites.
Its misrepresentation may include, that feminism is about:

•hating men
Feminism was never about hating on any gender but instead it’s about gender equality.

•there is no biological difference between male and female sexes
It’s true male and female sexes aren’t the same biologically but they can be treated equally -politically, economically, and socially regardless of their sex or gender.

•bringing matriarchy
We already live in a patriarchal society, to make it neutral we have to fight for women’s rights and it’s not for making it matriarchal.

•it’s a fight between men and women
It’s not a fight between both sexes, it’s a fight that is against gender inequalities.

And the list goes on and on.

Did you get the answer for why do we call it feminism and not humanism?

So now that we have a better understanding of what feminism is actually about. Let’s see what are some positive changes feminism can bring for us.

1. Getting Rid of Everyday Sexism

Sexism describes prejudice based on sex, most commonly against women and girls.

We’ve all faced these types of situations in our daily lives. But how many of us can actually recognize that something sexist is going on?

An author, David Foster Wallace explored in his memorable analogy about fish who don’t know they’re swimming in water:
“Two young fishes are swimming together and one looks at the other and says, “What the hell is water.”

That’s how many girls fail to recognize the mistreatment that they face in everyday life because sexism around us is like water around the fishes. It is hard to recognize because we get used to it.

We face sexism in form of school policing us for the way we look, catcalling on the streets, not being taken seriously at jobs, etc.

You can visit everydaysexism.com as it a website where women from all around the world share their stories about sexism that they face in day-to-day life.

The Every Day Sexism Project found that:
When boys make unwelcome, often sexual comments on girls in schools. Girls may normalize these comments by saying “Boys will be boys.” Or “Oh, it’s not such a big deal.”
We should know that our problems are valid and should not be afraid to stand up for ourselves.” [1]

2. Overcoming Gender Norms

We’ve all been there, when someone told us that what we’re doing is a “boyish” or “girly” thing to do.

Instead of focusing on someone’s individuality people tend to be more focused on what fits best for the girls or for the boys.

We’ve all been there when someone told us that what we’re doing is a “boyish” or “girly” thing to do.

Instead of focusing on someone’s individuality people tend to be more focused on what fits best for the girls or for the boys.

If we deny the expectations that gender norms put on us we can become our own individual.

And you may have noticed in day-to-day life boys also face these types of problems.
Boys are told not to cry or share their feelings and emotions from a really young age. This pressurizes them to suppress their emotions which can cause some serious psychological issues.[2] Boys are also shamed for doing the things that “only girls are allowed to do”.

We all should know that sex is something we’re born with, but gender is something that is highly affected by the culture we live in.[3]
Many males who wear makeup or wear dresses are bullied. Mostly because of the fact many people can’t differentiate between sex and gender.

We often forget that people are beyond their gender identity. Each and everyone is unique a individual who deserves to be treated equally.

3. Not living up-to beauty standards

I think many of you are aware of this one. Wikipedia describes beauty standards as;
The feminine beauty ideal is “the socially constructed notion that physical attractiveness is one of the women’s most important assets and something all women should strive to achieve and maintain”.

It’s like for a girl/woman her looks are the most important aspect of her life. A lot of researches have found that the way a woman looks it affects things like her earning or how her personality is perceived.[4]

Girls are told that they have to look a certain way. That they should have light skin, able bodies, and long hair, etc. All of which came from western beauty ideals.

Many teenagers feel insecure about their bodies by looking at models on social media and this pressurizes them to strive to achieve these unrealistic standards.

No-one should be pressurized to look a certain way.

What we should do instead?

We should redefine the unrealistic standards of beauty that society has created for us. We should appreciate the beauty in an unconventional way.

4. Having a better future

Imagine a world where everyone is equal, where people are doing things they want to do instead of doing it because of societal pressure.

Like, many men want to stay home and spend time with their family which in today’s society would not be acceptable.
“Men should work and women should look after their households.”

But they don’t know that in a family where the father figure spends more time with their children, these children are less likely to be diagnosed with depression, anxiety etc.[5] And there are so many other good reasons.

In countries where gender inequality is the least tend to be happier than in other countries. Like Iceland, Norway, and Finland.

You can think by yourself that how great it’ll be to live in a society where people are accepted for their individuality instead of putting them into gender stereotypes.

Conclusion

I haven’t covered some of the more serious issues and reasons for feminism in this blog, which I’ll cover in my upcoming blogs.

People of our generation think that feminism is just for women.
Feminism isn’t something just for women, we fight for gender equality that means men can also be feminists.

Watch this Ted Talk look further into this topic

I am going to keep saying… that I am a feminist until it is met with a shrug.

⁃ Justin Trudeau, Canadian PM [2016]

You may start to see that labeling yourself as a feminist isn’t something to be ashamed of. If we see the world from these lenses where we all share the same belief that is to make this world a better place, we all can be feminists and be proud of ourselves for actually doing something about it.