I've shied away from overtly writing about feminism for a long time, and I don't know why. It's a dirty word to some, but that's because like so many words, it's been misused and misunderstood.
Feminism (noun):
The advocacy of women's rights on the ground of the equality of the sexes.
Feminist (noun):
A person who support feminism.
It really is - and should be - that simple. And because we know that women are not equally treated, respected or educated throughout the world, that should be a good enough reason for us to engage with the problem.
But isn't it a big, complicated, confusing and sometimes dangerous problem? Of course. That's probably why I'm bad at it, to be honest. Sometimes I am a coward. And sometimes I am overwhelmed by the magnitude of the challenge, and I have no idea where to start. But I'm learning.
I'm learning to question. I'm learning to educate myself, and to check my sources. I'm learning to identify bias, and stand up to it. I'm learning not to close my eyes. I'm learning to resist.
Here's to the resistance.
Resisting stereotypes, judgements, restrictions placed on women around the world just for their gender.
Resisting systems and structures designed to keep women out of power.
Resisting patterns of thought that belittle women's value, work and contribution to society.
Resisting the suppression and oppression of women everywhere.
Resisting the passive acceptance or ignorance of abuse and violence toward women.
The resistance is hard work, but it needs us all. Our perspectives and experiences are different, and limited, but we are strong together where we can learn, support, build and fight the fight.
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