The F word!!!

Feminism!!!

Yes, I am writing a post about feminism. The reason being that I am a feminist and feel that as a blog is a platform to write about your passion, I am writing about a passion of mine, gender equality. Firstly, this idea that feminism is a bad word because it has the word 'fem' in it, really needs to stop. not only because hating the word fem is another reason feminism exists, as automatically the word is hated when it is to do with just women, but because feminism by definition affects both genders. It is gender equality, and only has 'fem' in it because it as a result of women fighting against oppression for hundreds of years. And rightly so. Feminism is the reason women have equal work opportunities in the UK, the reason women are allowed to vote, and the reason the wage gap is getting smaller! It is safe to say that feminism has achieved massive milestones in this country, but that sadly in other countries women don't have the rights that women in the UK have.

However, just because the UK is in a better position than other developing countries for women's rights, doesn't mean we should stop trying, as there are still battles to be fought! Women still face oppression everyday in the UK, whether that be derogatory language ('slut' to name one of many, whereas guys would be called a 'lad' for the very same reason), cat calling in the street, rape culture, or unfair pay. If the UK tries to completely abolish gender inequality, it could also teach other countries to do so and have a positive affect around the world. I think it has recently come to light, that in order for gender equality to be achieved, we must strive to give both men and women rights. Although it's clear that women have been much more oppressed than men over the years, men do also face discrimination, which is spoken about in Emma Watsons 'He for She' speech. The Fact that celebrities are getting involved in the movement will hopefully cause great progress as they are helping abolish the stereotype of feminists being angry man haters, which in 99% of cases we are not!! 

Now I only decided I was a feminist myself a few months ago, after a discussion with some friends. I was one of those people who thought that women had a fine and easy life, we have the vote so we're fine surely?? But what I found after talking to my friends who are feminists, is that there is so much about the movement I was simply uneducated about! So if you're the same I would highly recommend doing some research,because we should live in a world where you can dress how you want, not shave if you don't want to, be safe walking around streets alone, be allowed the same BASIC human rights as men in developing countries, and get paid the same. If you're a man reading this you should be able to express your emotions without being called a 'pussy', dress however you want without being accused of looking to feminine, not be frowned upon as a child if you'd rather play with dolls than footballs.

I hope that whoever has read this understands the opinions i'm trying to get accross and respects my views, and hopefully learns something from it!

Bye for now,

Emmy x