Towards a Genuine Feminism and True Equality
Every year on March 8, we celebrate International Women’s Day—a moment to honour the contributions of women and reflect on the progress we’ve made toward gender equality. But while we celebrate, we must also ask ourselves: Are we truly working towards fairness for all?
Understanding Feminism & Gender Equality
Growing up, I often heard the word feminism, but its meaning seemed to change depending on who was speaking. Some saw it as empowerment, while others viewed it as an attack on men. But feminism, in its true sense, is simple—it is about ensuring that both men and women have equal opportunities without bias or discrimination.
However, over time, feminism has taken different forms. While it started as a fight for women’s rights, some modern discussions have shifted toward a one-sided narrative, sometimes ignoring the struggles men face. This is where we need to pause and reflect.
Where Feminism Went Wrong: Moving Towards True Equality
As societies evolved, so did the need for equal rights. In the past, patriarchal systems restricted women’s choices in education, work, and personal freedoms. Feminism played a crucial role in breaking these barriers, allowing women to step into spaces they were once denied. But in addressing one problem, have we created another?
At times, we see toxic feminism, where the movement turns into a battle against men rather than a fight for fairness. The goal should never be to replace one dominant gender with another, but to create a society where men and women stand together as equals.
Understanding Men’s Struggles: The Other Side of Equality
While discussing women’s rights, we cannot ignore the challenges men face. Feminism, in its truest form, acknowledges that gender equality must be for all, not just one side. Men, too, live under societal pressures:
Emotional suppression – Men are often discouraged from expressing their feelings, leading to mental health struggles.
Provider expectations – Many are expected to be the primary earners, carrying financial burdens alone.
Gender biases in family courts – In custody battles, men often find themselves at a disadvantage.
True feminism and gender equality mean acknowledging that both genders face struggles and that fairness cannot exist if we only address one side.
Recognizing Differences Without Discrimination
Feminism should never mean ignoring biological differences. Yes, men and women have different strengths, especially physically. But these differences should never be used as an excuse for discrimination. Instead, we should focus on creating a world where ability, effort, and character matter more than gender.
Building a Society Based on Fairness, Not Superiority
So, what do we truly need? A shift from gender wars to mutual respect. A world where men and women understand each other’s challenges, support each other’s growth, and work together to remove barriers—not create new ones. True feminism does not promote one gender over the other but ensures harmony and fairness in every aspect of life.
How We Can Celebrate International Women’s Day the Right Way
To truly honor this day, we must go beyond celebrations and take meaningful action:
Support Women Entrepreneurs – Encouraging female-led businesses helps build a stronger economy.
Educate Yourself & Others – Understanding feminism and gender equality helps break harmful stereotypes.
Recognize the Contributions of Women – Mothers, mentors, and colleagues deserve appreciation every day.
Support Men’s Well-being Too – Feminism should include addressing men’s struggles as well.
Final Thoughts: A Future of True Equality
International Women’s Day is not about making women more powerful than men. It is about creating a world where no one has to fight for fairness.
Let’s move away from division and towards unity. Let’s stop seeing men and women as opponents and start seeing each other as partners in building a just, balanced, and empowered world for all.
This March 8, let’s not just celebrate women—let’s celebrate true feminism and equality
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