The basic thing about feminism is that, feminism = equality. Period. 

There are many who argue that coining the term in a female-centric manner makes it lose its proper value. What needs to be understood is that it was done so because the first wave and second wave of feminism aimed to give women equal status in society. Men were already enjoying those privileges and hence, it was the women who protested for their upliftment.

The third wave of feminism has come up too with some women thinking that they can do whatever they want and must be accepted for it. It distorts the very essence of feminism since it wants to show women to have a free pass into whatever they want to do. However, any feminist would tell you that it is all about equality and nothing more.

Now that the issue has been primarily addressed and the message of want of equality spread, there should be some approach to solve the issue. To tell women what to and what not to do, and how they are liberated in society does not solve the issue. Feminism should be more male-centric.

Women empowerment becomes a hurdle in society without the cooperation of the men-folk. They must be equally accepting of the change and be welcome to follow orders from female superiors. Without the mentality of acceptance, the basic ratio of having both men and women in the top positions of society cannot be reached. They must also be willing to undertake household responsibilities, things they usually leave for a woman to take care of.

Ingraining children with the idea that both are equal in all aspects can change their whole perspective on life. Boys can cry, they can be physically weaker, they may like pink, they can wear whatever they want to and be whoever they aspire to be – the only primary factor is to be respectful towards others in whatever one is doing.

To inculcate this idea in grown men is, however, a very difficult challenge. To have workshops in offices and public places to make them understand the need for working hand in hand with women, however, may have some effect on the situation. 

Feminism is not something that can be solved overnight. It would require generations to change the way of thinking of the people and understand that men and women can both rule the world together hand in hand. The removal of male chauvinistic and patriarchal mentality that has been normalized over the past centuries is not something that can just be extinguished with one day’s protests. 

It is necessary to remember that there will always be that odd bunch of people who do not believe in morality and speak unnecessary things that will enrage the saner portion of the world. Those are the kind of people we have to work with to change into those who believe in humanity over the oppression of any section of people.

Hatred would not bring any good to the cause, only making them examples of why we do need feminism could bring logic in the minds of those negative propagandists. For now, to not revert back to the old ways and progress with each new day in hope of a better tomorrow is the only objective. Time would eventually bring us to that day when people could not be able to imagine a world without the women working beside men all the time.

PS – It is either you are a feminist, or you are not. It is about believing in equality of all genders, there is no in-between.