“I’m a feminist. I’ve been a female for a long time now. It’d be stupid not to be on my own side.”
— Maya Angelou
The word "Feminism" has been given different definitions by people, the concept of feminism has also been misunderstood from time immemorial by others.
Personally, the definition of feminism that i prefer is fighting for the rights of women, it’s simply saying women will not be oppressed socially, financially, economically and even politically.
Feminism exists for a reason, throughout western history women were deprived of certain rights because of their gender. Women were denied rights to work, rights to vote, rights to hold any position. Women were restricted to only domestic duties, and were seen as being unsuccessful in any other area. They were even denied access to education and in some parts of the world these things still exists and that's why feminism still exists till today.
"Some people ask, 'Why the word 'feminist'? Why not just say you are a believer in human rights, or something like that?' Because that would be dishonest. Feminism is, of course, part of human rights in general - but to choose to use the vague expression 'human rights' is to deny the specific and particular problem of gender."
-Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
People have ridiculed feminists occasionally by calling them bitter women, calling them misandrists implying they’re women who have been hurt by men and hate men. Some people still peddle myths that being a feminist means you won’t be capable of being loved, or they won’t find partners, get married because of their feminism. But over time, we’ve witnessed feminists get married, and are living peacefully with their partners who also understand feminism.
Feminism is not a fight against men, reducing it to "misandry" is belittling. Feminism is striving to achieve gender equality, dismantling every inequality against women and not to subdue men.
Feminism is also empowering women with the right resources and opportunities to reach their full capacity. This empowerment allows women reach their goals and succeed in any area without societal constraints. It is so important because it helps break barriers and creates network of support for women who can intensify their voices and make a change. Feminism challenges stereotypes, traditional gender roles that has existed for ages and creates an environment where women can thrive peacefully. We have so many organizations by women investing in women empowerment and it’s so exciting and encouraging to see.
There are so many reasons why feminism still exists. Misogyny being one of them is a deep-rooted dislike and contempt against women. We live in a patriarchal society where women have to fight against violent misogyny targeted towards them. feminism has one purpose "to fight for women’s rights". There’s no such thing as too much feminism either, people tell feminists not to be too extreme with their feminism and to be calm with it but you can’t practice calm feminism when the misogyny and hatred is extreme. You can’t make feminism palatable to your oppressors, it doesn’t work that way.
We live in a world where literally everyone is aware of how unjustly women have been treated on some occasions. In some parts of Africa, we've heard news of women being killed for minor issues, we've seen people justify the innocent killings of some of these women, we've seen women be profiled, stereotyped, and oppressed for just being a "woman".
According to statistics, at least 500 femicide cases have been recorded in Kenya since 2016. And at least 10 women have been killed in 2024 also.
"Femicide is the killing of women and girls with gender-related motivations, and is the most extreme form of gender violence on women". (Africa data hub)
Recently, hundreds of women and men all over Kenya marched to call for an end to the ongoing femicide.
If feminism is still a foreign concept to you after witnessing everything going on then you’re either choosing to be intentionally oblivious or you’re part of the oppressors.
I am a feminist, I’ve been asked the "why" question countless times by people especially men. I’ve been silently side eyed just by saying I’m a feminist. One thing is sure though, I’ve never cared and I’ll never have to explain myself or answer the "why" questions. I’m past the stage where I have to explain to people why, I’m a woman it’ll be unfair not to be on my own side so why do I have to explain that to anyone. No, I do not hate men, except you’re a misogynist. I don’t have to water down my feminism to make myself “likable”. If my feminism threatens you or makes you uncomfortable then you shouldn’t be around me.
You don’t have to be a victim of misogyny or injustice before you speak up against it. You know it exists and it’s bad, that’s enough for you to take a stand.
“If you are neutral in situations of injustice, you have chosen the side of the oppressor.”
– Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
If you have decided not to be a feminist, it’s your choice. But do not be an accessory to oppression or misogyny.
There are many feminist women icons who have fought for equal rights in the past, women who made it possible for us to enjoy some of these privileges today, these women set the pace.
We also have many feminists worldwide presently, old and young who have been very vocal about their feminism. In doing so, they are not just standing up for themselves, they are standing up for other women.
