Feminism

the so-called ‘taboo’ that sparks debates, raises eyebrows

and sometimes gets completely misunderstood

Let’s talk about feminism—a word that sparks a range of reactions, from passionate support to eye rolls. But here’s the thing: at its heart, feminism isn’t about taking power away from men or about assigning blame for past injustices. It’s about one core idea—equality. In the real sense, feminism isn’t a war between men and women. It’s not about flipping the scales, so women have it all while men are left wondering what happened. Instead, it’s about creating a world where everyone gets to live without outdated expectations, stereotypes, or limitations based on their gender. A world that works for everyone.

So, let’s explore what feminism really means, how it helps everyone—yes, even men—and why it’s time we all got on board.

To better understand feminism, it is crucial to recognise that it evolves over time and is influenced by the unique challenges faced by each generation. Think of it as an ongoing relay race, where each generation passes the baton, adding its flavour to the mix. For my grandmother, feminism was as simple—and revolutionary—as wearing pants. For my mother, it was about earning respect, financial independence, and having her voice heard in decisions about family, investments, and career choices. For me, feminism is about seeing women in leadership roles and ensuring equal pay for equal work. It’s about valuing women’s contributions as much as men’s. The new generation, Gen Z, is all about challenging norms, embracing diversity, and fighting for a world where everyone can define themselves on their terms—whether it’s staying unmarried, rejecting beauty standards, or making choices that feel right for them.

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Despite these advances, gender inequality hasn’t disappeared; it’s just taken subtler forms. Patriarchy’s shadow still looms, reminding us why feminism remains essential. Yes, we’ve come a long way—women can vote, own property, and hold some powerful positions. But women continue to earn less for the same work, juggle household responsibilities alongside full-time jobs, and face stereotypes when stepping into leadership roles. Equality isn’t just about changing laws; it’s about changing mindsets. For instance, females are CEOs today, but they’re still asked how they balance work and family when men in the same roles aren’t.

One important aspect of feminism that has been majorly misunderstood is that, while feminism highlights the historical and ongoing oppression women face, it also acknowledges the societal biases men encounter. Yes, men, too, have a place in the conversation about feminism. They’re expected to ‘man up, suppress emotions, and prioritise financial success over personal well-being. Fathers who choose to stay at home or men who work in caregiving professions are frequently looked down upon. These stereotypes harm men and reinforce the same patriarchal system that oppresses women. Feminism is about dismantling these harmful norms as well. It’s about creating a world where men, too, feel free to express themselves without judgment and where boys can grow up understanding that their worth isn’t tied to outdated notions of masculinity.

If we truly want to create a gender-equal society, we need to start by reshaping attitudes at the grassroots level. The key to feminist progress doesn’t only lie in policies, protests, or even literature; it’s in the small, everyday lessons we impart to the next generation, particularly boys. How we raise boys today shapes the future. Little phrases like Don’t cry like a girl or You’re the future of the house, stick more than we think, shaping how boys view not just women but also themselves. Excusing misbehaviour with the phrase, Boys will be boys, plants the seeds of toxic masculinity. Similarly, when household chores are assigned exclusively to girls, it sends a clear message: women’s work is less valuable and not optional.

And the grassroots level is where it all begins. We need to start talking about equality at home, in schools, and with friends. Kids are like sponges—they pick up what they see and hear. We need to teach boys that kindness isn’t girly and teach girls that being assertive isn’t unladylike. We need to teach them to share responsibilities visibly and fairly, whether it’s chores or decision-making. Let boys see their fathers cook or clean. Teach them that caregiving and housework are human responsibilities, not gendered ones. Tell boys it’s okay to cry, to be vulnerable, and to talk about their feelings. Emotional intelligence fosters empathy, which is vital for respecting others. Whether it’s calling out a sexist joke or rethinking who should do what at home, every little bit helps; simple lessons like ‘Ask before you take’ or ‘No means no’ can lay the groundwork for understanding consent in relationships later.

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Teaching boys empathy, respect, and the value of equality doesn’t just make them better partners, colleagues, or friends; it makes them happier humans, too. The world doesn’t need more ‘alpha males.’ It requires more good people who know how to listen, feel, and treat everyone with respect. Let boys and girls pursue their interests without labelling activities as ‘for boys’ or ‘for girls’. Women shouldn’t have to choose between a career and a family, and men shouldn’t have to act like they don’t feel things.

In a nutshell, feminism isn’t some fancy, exclusive club. It’s a movement for everyone who wants a fairer, kinder world. It’s about teaching boys that respect isn’t optional and that silence doesn’t measure strength. It’s about showing them that equality isn’t a favour but a right.

Feminism says, “Let’s stop boxing people into roles they didn’t sign up for.” The good news is that the more we talk about and act on it, the closer we get.