It’s International Women’s Day, so it's the perfect day to talk about feminism and being a feminist.
What do you think of when you hear those words?
Something negative pops in your mind, right?
Feminism has gotten a bad reputation and has given negative stigmas attached to it. Somehow being a feminist turned into hating men and people think about angry, hairy, bra burning easily offended women.
Being feminist doesn't mean you against men at all, and yes some feminist out there do act like that, but that's doesn't mean we all do.
Unfortunately, people often give incorrect definitions for labels they don't fully understand, and everyone has their own interpretation about everything (as it should be), so this is why I want to chat about feminism and what it means to me.
Equal opportunities
I didn't become a feminist, one day I have just realised that I have always been one. Although, I don't like to use this word though. It feels negative and heavy. It's all comes down to the fact that for some reason along the lines this label has a negative attached to it. If we need to put a label on it, I prefer #girlboss.
When people hear "you are feminist" they will look at you a bit disgusted, and they say "yes, I totally support women rights too, but I'm not one of those ".
Shame that people still think in 2019 that to stand for equality is a bad thing and it's something that we should be all ashamed of as soon as they hear the F-word.
We all see on social media that other bloggers out there encouraging women to be their own boss.#girlboss. Hell yeah! Since Sophia Amoruso's book (that I highly recommend) the new word for feminism, it's being a girl boss.
The world that feels positive instead of the F-word. Even though Sophia shared during an interview: “I don't want to equate it with the word feminism.”
To me, feminism means respecting women and men in the same way. Everyone is equal. Not only women can be feminist, but men can also be too. And no I'm not saying that I want to be a man, no.
Let's face it biologically, men are built bigger and stronger than women. This is not sexist, it’s just science. However, that does not mean that we are incapable of anything that men are capable of!
For example, throwing "like a girl", a typical insult against women.
This refers to a man who has a weak arm and can't throw far and powerfully. Women train, practice, and improve their skill just as men do and to be fair, I personally know just as many men than women who can't throw.
Women and men deserve the same opportunities.
Free choices
To me, feminism is about choice. If there is one thing I cannot stand in this world, is stereotypes. We have one life so we should live it in the way we want to and not how others tell us to.
If a woman wants to be the CEO of a major company, then nothing should stand in her way. YES!
If she wants to be a stay home mom, then again she is free to do so. Men should be considered for childcare roles too. Do you remember when in Friends Rachel hired a male nanny?
Feminism is about breaking down the barriers.
For example, when Mr Trump got elected, and he started making decisions for women..come on..that is the last straw for many of us. If you want to have children or not this should be entirely your decision. If you want a family but still making the decision to be a stay home mom or return to work because you love your job, your work is important, again your choice.
If you don't want to have babies, it's nobody else's business. You can be a career-oriented woman and should be proud of it, don't let anybody tell you otherwise. To keep your baby, or not, entirely your decision. Nobody should tell you these just because of the expectations that society may impose on them. Being a feminist again doesn't mean you have to disagree with everything, it means you are forming your own opinion and that sometimes differ from the societal forms. This is why feminism is so powerful. Be the person you want to be and do the things you want to do away from the expectations. Regardless of genders, colours of skins, nationality, the choice is yours.
If you stand for equal rights and opportunities, you are an equal feminist.
Empowering
Feminism is selfless. It's not about trying to get something for your own and to increase your own opportunities. It's about everybody. It's about growing the opportunities, rights and the treatment of everyone.
Feminism to me is uplifting, empowering, encouraging and supporting all women and men around the world. As well as encouraging others to do what they want to do with their lives and to live it in the way they always dreamed of.
Women like to compete and judge each other. However, strong women help one another to succeed and mentor each other without marking it by jealousy.
Reflect on a woman in your life who truly impacts you. We all look up to someone who empowers us. We surrounded by inspirational women who are influencing our lives.
Even with the smallest things you can empower your fellow females.
For example, if you know that one of your friends is lacking exercise or not following the right diet, provide encouragement, advice or offer help to their lifestyle to ensure that those changes happen.
When I was little, I never knew what I want to be as a grown-up adult or what I want to do I just knew that I want to be a strong, independent woman who is empowering others to be the same.
I know that I'm on the right path to make my 5 years old myself to be proud.
Don't give up on your dreams, don't let anybody to stand in your way until you make them come true. Don’t let anyone tell you what you can and cannot do.
I could go on, but I will stop now. Just remember be a #girlboss.
By the way, there is a men day too! Yes! It takes place on November 19, and it's celebrated in 60 countries around the world.
Celebrating their achievements and equal rights for both gender because everyone should be proud of what they achieved.
So, what does feminism mean to you? Who's empowering you the most to be the best version of yourself?
Leave your comment below!
