With all the talk on feminism recently, weve had some good coming out of the nascent conversations around the topic but weve also had even more misunderstanding on a very basic issue. So let me define it as google would, feminism is equality in political, social, and economic rights for people of all gender. Why feminism then? Why not simply humanism? So lets address the question that gets asked not because theres a valid argument behind it but to shun a valid movement.

Feminism because its the female gender that we are striving to bring at par with the male gender in terms of the opportunities at equality. Dont tell me its the 21st century, there isnt any disparity, because its there. Right from high-tech companies in America paying unequal wages to men and women for the same work to women in rural India dropping out of school when their menstrual cycle begins, gender equality is there, very much there.

So we have talked enough about the problem, lets for a change discuss solutions here. How you, as a man, can ensure you support a woman in bridging this gap and how you as a woman can make active efforts to progress on the path to equality.

I have read diverse literature but some of the new literature disgusts me. Its not new to see male writers portray a submissive devoted picture of a woman as the ideal heck; our mythologies have done it for the society but to see women actively carrying on the crusade is problematic. Im not like other girls, I dont wear make-up, Shes a bitch and a slut, no this isnt boys locker room talk. This is the basic plot of many of the stories floating around.

Feminism is about freedom and equality, its about putting on the boldest shade of lipstick for your happiness; about wearing whatever the heck you want to because surprise its your life. Its the freedom to choose to become a housewife if thats where your heart lies, to live a life on your own without getting attached to the stigma of being unmarried.

Its about making it okay to flaunt your legs unwaxed. Heck, why women undergo so much pain is beyond my understanding. Human hair is as natural as it gets, why the forced need, why the unrealistic standards of beauty? Its about picking your goddamn chair and not looking for a man to do it, not if you are capable enough to do it on your own. If we are to fight for equal rights, weve to learn to take equal responsibility too.

I unlearned a lot of stereotypes and prejudices as I grew up and one of them was a beauty. Ive realized Im not going to take being beautiful as an achievement simply because I never earned it. Genetics can take all the credit but I wont. So I dont tell a woman shes beautiful. I tell her shes strong and funny and caring, and fierce as a lioness when it comes to protecting her loved ones, and free as a dove when flying towards her dreams and an amazing friend great at what she does because thats what I would like to hear too.

So dont compliment me about my beauty, dont tell me my earrings look nice, do not praise me for what isnt mine and what I didnt create and what is but a temporary possession. But tell me that you read something of mine that ignited your soul, that when you heard my story, you realized mountains can be broken down too, tell me you look into my eyes and know theres a soul inside, beautiful alive and ready to set the fire because thats what I would search in you too.

So women, bring about the change. I am glad of the barriers we have broken, thank the feminists before us for we have the right to live but theres a long way ahead. So I hope the next time you dont settle for an unequal salary, the next time your relatives tell you short dresses are exactly what excites males, I hope you give them a piece of your mind. I know you are strong, and were stronger together. So be there for each other. Lets fight injustice anywhere and everywhere.

Its amazing to see your work for the cause and even better to see you creating conversations on the topic, we need it, the society needs it. And its okay if you misunderstand feminism right now, weve got you on the side of the movement, now the movement will guide you. Feminism is equality, really actually its that simple.

No, we feminists arent on a holy crusade to harass and suppress men. Believe me, thats exactly what weve been fighting against for centuries, we wont wish it on you because trust me it sucks. Were not here to put blames, we are here simply fighting for a change, and trust me its a beautiful change, one that is for the betterment of the whole of humanity and we all will benefit from it. So heres how you can contribute towards this change because it is sure as hell is on its way.

Fight for equal rights in your workplace. Do not settle for higher wages for the same work. Normalize menstruation.

Yes, women bleed once every month, yes the period blood is red well no surprise there, just thought some advertisements could take notes here. So do not freak out of your senses if you see a pad in a womans bag or you see a red stain on her clothes, its normal. Create an environment of equality in your home. No, its not your mothers job to slave in the kitchen all day, and no, just because its lockdown and youre at home, its not her duty to make you five snacks a day.

Help out in the kitchen, in the household works, it does not make you less of a man; if anything at all, it makes you a better one. Call out sexist conversations, no it isnt funny; no the casual remark passed in meetings intended to be taken lightly is against every professional ethics rulebook there is.

Bollywood, come on, Kabir Singh? No, women dont like oppressive men full of toxic masculinity, I dont think weve spoken loud enough for you to hear or maybe youre better at turning a deaf ear, so heres it, women like men who appreciate equality.

Yes, I would like a man to support me as he would expect me to in any relationship. Its equality and trust thats the foundation of any relationship not your romanticized cold obnoxious draining version of love. So come join in the change. Help us bring it about sooner, help us bring in a world where I can walk on a deserted street less afraid of being harassed than being robbed, where the most beautiful natural process that is the reason humanity sustains be normal, let periods not be a calamity anymore. Lets bring in this change together.

Read the original here:
An Open Letter To All Feminists : Lets Bring In The Change Together - Youth Ki Awaaz

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