Feminism

Do you consider that the skills, knowledge, and experience of women are equal to that of men?  If so, you are a feminist!  Feminism is defined as the conviction that the knowledge, skills, and practices of women are equal to that of men’s.  Feminist movements have resulted in the opportunity for women to attend universities, obtain high earning employment, wear jeans, and obtain birth control options, in addition to a variety of other issues.

While historically, women were faced with various forms of oppression in which their human rights were ignored and disregarded, such actions have not completely disappeared today.  Women world-wide are currently confronted with various concerns such as domestic violence, birth control options, body image issues, equal opportunities at work, sexual harassment, and for some, the attainment of basic fundamental rights.  Numerous individuals are currently involved in the feminist movements in an effort to obtain such rights for all women.  

There are three organizations of feminism prevalent in today’s society: liberal feminism, cultural feminism, and radical feminism.  Each organization possesses specific goals and purposes in which anyone can easily become involved.

Liberal feminism is the belief of gender equality, or the conviction that men and women are equal and should enjoy equal rights and opportunities.  Liberal feminists actively petition for laws that will grant equality among men and women. 

Cultural feminism values and celebrates the differences between women and men.  A sense of pride is possessed by such followers in the extraordinary things women can accomplish and participate in, that set women apart from men.  Cultural feminists believe that if one concentrates on women’s unique characteristics, women are then able to free themselves from the bonds of subordination.  Women have the fantastic opportunity to participate in activities such as employment, education, home making, and having children while still pursing their natural instincts and abilities to love and nurture those around them.

Radical feminists demand for social change.  They believe that subordination and oppression of gender lies deep within our governmental policies.  Instead of constructing laws and policies in an effort to satisfy women, efforts must be made at a national and international level to grant women worldwide their basic human rights and liberties.

Liberal feminism, cultural feminism, and radical feminism all contain diverse opinions, but their objective is the same; that of better life quality for women worldwide.  While many individuals believe that feminist movements are no longer necessary, there is still a lot of work that much be accomplished.  Until all women worldwide are able to fully enjoy their basic human rights free from oppression and subordination, there is still much work to do.