What is Feminism?
The term "feminist" might strike fear and confusion in the hearts of certain listeners. Many mistakenly believe that feminists despise men and seek to establish a world government in which women rule. Feminism is simply the belief that men and women are on an equal footing, that neither is superior to the other, and that they should be accorded the same degree of respect.
The term "humanism" should be used more often when referring to feminism. Feminism is concerned with ensuring that men and women enjoy equal rights, but it is also important to remember that women still endure greater discrimination than men.
More women need to be given authority and protection for men and women to be treated equally. Women and girls must reach a point where they enjoy the same rights and freedom as men.
Relevance of feminism in today's world
The elimination of male dominance over females
Feminism is significant in India because women shouldn't be expected to take care of their male relatives forever. There are examples of traditions that highlight men's dominance in society and these customs demonstrate that women are vulnerable and need to be safeguarded by men.
To advocate for the equal treatment of all people
Feminism is necessary in India because women are not inferior and getting married shouldn't be their only goal in life. Boys and girls often receive distinct treatment in Indian households. Girls are generally overlooked in favour of boys when it comes to resources like food and schooling. The government's statistics suggest that about half of Indian adolescent females are underweight and that even more than half of them are anaemic.
To ensure that women receive equal treatment in the workplace
Whether they contribute economically or not, women in India face discrimination. This is why feminism is so important in India. It is still considered inappropriate by some members of our society that a woman be financially independent of her family or even to obtain a college degree.
Women who opt to be stay-at-home moms are often criticised for their decision. We must keep in mind, however, that a woman's contributions to society is not diminished because of her lack of financial independence.
Dispel myths and stigmas about menstruation
Feminism is necessary in India because we have made a natural process like menstruation taboo and shameful. Some Indian women experience discrimination because of their periods. They are restricted from the bathroom and bedroom and are forced to sleep on the floor. They are not allowed to have any physical contact with other people or share a meal with anyone.
Due to its negative connotation, many people are uninformed about period safety. While 46 per cent of women don't use sanitary methods, 36 per cent don't feel comfortable purchasing them in public. A phenomenon known as "period poverty" exists in India because not enough menstruating women have access to menstrual hygiene items.
Since traditional gender roles have been institutionalised across all sectors of Indian society, including the workplace and the home, feminism is a necessity in India. Stereotypes abound in society regarding what men and women should do in the home, with the former believing they should be the primary breadwinners and the latter believing they should be responsible for all of the housework.
To dispel the notion that men must be physically superior to women
Feminism is significant in India because no man should be expected to be more capable than a woman on all fronts. Equality must be taught by parents in childhood. It should be inculcated in the young minds that no individual is more superior than the other.
Never tell a woman how to accessorise
In India, girls' attire choices lead to discrimination. Unjustified fatwas have been issued against female celebrities, such as when one wore a sari with western clothes. Another tragic development occurred when a lawmaker compared scant clothing to an invitation to rape. Misogynistic media portrayals normalise stalking and eve-teasing, worsening the situation.
Feminism is not about emancipating women, and we must accept that. By and large, women already have considerable strength. The goal is to alter perceptions of power in this way. The term "feminist" should not strike fear into anyone's heart since it breaks down barriers between men and women an it isn't anti-male.
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