Why Feminism is Still Needed: Addressing Global Inequalities
In the 21st century, many people question whether feminism is still necessary. After all, progress has been made, and women have won rights that were unimaginable just a century ago. But despite these strides, the need for feminism remains pressing. The movement continues to address deep-rooted societal issues that women face daily, from street harassment to more severe forms of violence and discrimination. Here’s why feminism is still vital in today’s world:
1. Street Harassment and Violence
Street harassment is a global problem that affects women in cities around the world. In France, for instance, catcalling and verbal threats are common occurrences. Women are often made to feel unsafe in public spaces, forced to adjust their routes or behaviors to avoid confrontation. The situation is particularly dire in many Muslim-majority countries, with Egypt standing out as an example. Women in Egypt frequently face sexual harassment on the streets, and cases of women being attacked, raped, and even murdered have surfaced. What’s more, victim-blaming is rampant, where society or law enforcement holds the woman accountable for the violence she endured.
This kind of harassment doesn’t just affect women’s sense of security; it affects their autonomy. It limits their ability to move freely, live confidently, and participate fully in public life. Feminism seeks to end this kind of abuse by promoting respect for women and challenging cultural norms that enable harassment and violence.
2. Domestic Violence and Financial Manipulation
Domestic violence is a widespread issue, with women often trapped in abusive relationships due to financial dependence. In many cases, women who are not financially independent are more susceptible to control and manipulation by their partners. This dynamic is a form of economic abuse, where the abuser controls the finances, preventing the woman from leaving or seeking help.
Feminism continues to advocate for women’s financial independence and legal protections against domestic abuse. The movement pushes for shelters, legal support, and education that empower women to escape abusive situations.
3. The Right to Dress Freely
Many women around the world are still fighting for the right to wear what they want without fear of judgment, harassment, or violence. In some societies, women who dress revealingly are immediately judged and often subjected to harassment. Feminism advocates for a woman’s right to express herself through her clothing.
Conversely, in some cultures, women are forced to wear burqas or cover themselves entirely due to societal or familial pressure. This enforced modesty effectively erases their identity as women, limiting their freedom to make personal choices about their own bodies. Feminism stands against this widespread extreme. Women are free to dress as revealingly as they want.
4. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
FGM is a barbaric practice that remains a grim reality for millions of girls worldwide, particularly in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. The practice is deeply rooted in patriarchal traditions designed to control female sexuality. Feminism fights against this violation of human rights, advocating for education, legal action, and support for survivors.
5. Forced Marriages
Many women are still forced to marry men based on religion, cultural expectations, or familial pressure, not out of love. These marriages, often arranged without a woman’s consent, strip women of their agency and autonomy. Feminism champions the idea that every woman has the right to choose her partner freely, without coercion.
6. Workplace Discrimination and Pregnancy Bias
Despite laws protecting women from discrimination, many still face challenges in the workplace. For example, in some cases, women are not hired or are overlooked for promotions simply because they are pregnant or may become pregnant in the future. This kind of bias reinforces the idea that motherhood and professional success are mutually exclusive.
Feminism advocates for workplace policies that support working mothers, including paid maternity leave, flexible working hours, and protections against discrimination. Equality in the workplace can only be achieved when women are free to have families without sacrificing their careers.
7. The Right to Be Topless in Public
In some cultures, like parts of India, women who go topless in public are deemed “indecent,” while men face no such restrictions. This double standard reinforces the idea that women’s bodies are inherently sexual or shameful. Feminism challenges these societal norms, advocating for equal rights for women to express themselves as freely as men in public spaces.
Feminism is About Equality, Not Hate
It is essential to clarify that feminism is not about hating men or seeking power over them. The goal of feminism is equality — ensuring that women have the same opportunities, rights, and freedoms as men while acknowledging the unique challenges women face due to their gender. Feminism celebrates femininity and advocates for the fair treatment of women, allowing them to embrace their identities without fear of oppression or violence.
The term “feminazism” is often used pejoratively to describe extreme behaviors that have little to do with the true principles of feminism. Genuine feminism seeks to build a society where men and women are equal partners, working together to dismantle harmful structures of power and privilege.
Feminism is still needed because many women around the world face systemic oppression, violence, and discrimination daily. From street harassment to forced marriages, these issues underscore the ongoing fight for women’s rights. Feminism remains a crucial movement that advocates for the fair and equal treatment of women, allowing them to live freely, confidently, and authentically. As long as inequality persists, so will the need for feminism.
