A Detailed Explanation of Feminism for Nigerians

What is Feminism

Feminism is a social, political, and cultural movement, a belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities. It aims to eliminate gender discrimination, sexism, and patriarchal norms and structures that marginalize and oppress women. Feminists fight for women’s rights and gender equality, including reproductive rights, fair wages, ending sexual harassment and assault, and much more.

Don’t get it twisted

Before you twist it, it’s not a movement to make women become like men and vice versa. Feminism targets the system not the gender! Okay maybe the gender lol. The system includes political, social, religion, educational, career sector, etc.

Misconceptions

One common misconception about feminism is that it’s about women wanting to be superior to men, not true. Nor is it about women not wanting to get married or perform their duties. It is about creating a fair and just society where everyone can thrive and be their best selves.

However, in a society where both genders are involved, a man is not the head of a woman. They should be treated as equals. A man is only the head of his wife not the head of every other woman in the world. Therefore, it’s imperative that where both genders stands, a man is not automatically the boss, unless appointed as one. I’ve heard people say “how woman go dey tell me wetin to do. Orisirisi. Drink cold water alaye.”

Feminism and Education

We can all agree that Feminism is the reason why women now have access to good education, unlike before. Significant progress in women’s education started during the 19th and 20th centuries, particularly in Western countries.

The push for gender equality in education intensified during the 20th century, with an increasing number of coeducational institutions and the passage of policies aimed at reducing gender disparities in education.

It is important to note that, despite the progress made over the past two centuries, gender disparities in education still exist in various parts of the world.

Countries like Afghanistan, Pakistan and even Nigeria still go through this educational barrier for the girl-child. While early marriage is frowned at, our system hasn’t really responded aggressively to traditional practices that count out the participation of girls in education. These are the things Feminism fights for. What business does a 13-year-old have with marriage? The right of this girl has been taken away and that’s what Feminism fights. A girl-child or a woman is not a sexual tool to please men, she’s not a toy!

Feminism might look like it’s a woman thing but we all are involved. We have mothers, sisters, and daughters whose destiny may hang on the eradication of certain practices. An enabling environment for the thriving of all is what makes us a decent society, and we all end up benefiting from it.

Feminism and Relationships

Some people have argued that “what about when it comes to paying bills?” Feminism doesn’t care about what you choose to do or allow in your relationships and marriages. This is a societal movement, so who pays what bills is not the issue here. But my two cents is, two can make it work, and a man of a woman is not the cash cow for their partners. Let each person hustle, have their own rules, and support each other while at it.

Feminism Advocates for Men’s Right

I hope we can see the role this movement plays. Feminism advocates for men’s rights and well-being too, although its primary focus has historically been on addressing the systemic inequality and discrimination faced by women. Feminism recognizes that rigid gender norms and expectations can negatively impact both women and men, and it aims to create a more equal and just society for everyone, regardless of their gender.

Feminism doesn’t threaten men

Feminism doesn’t threaten men in any way. It’s giving “shine your shine, I shine my shine.” Our shine shine illuminates the world, there can’t be too much of light. This then calls for the societal’s ability to speak up when they are at a disadvantage. If men feel excluded in certain areas of life, they could also air their voices. Feminism isn’t pushing men out, it’s only letting women in too. Men have also identified with Feminism, so it’s not exclusively a woman thing.

Different flavours of Feminism

Just like ice cream comes in many flavors, so does feminism! There are different types of feminism that focus on various aspects of gender equality. Some feminists might focus on workplace equality, while others may concentrate on reproductive rights. Despite these differences, all feminists share the same core belief that everyone should have equal rights and opportunities.

Teaching children about Feminism

It’s important to teach children about feminism from a young age, so they can grow up understanding the value of equality and fairness.

Teach children that household chores and responsibilities should be shared equally between family members, regardless of their gender. This helps them understand the importance of fairness and cooperation at home.

The problems Feminism solves

In many countries around the world, there is a significant difference in the average pay between men and women. This is called the gender wage gap. It’s a complex issue, influenced by many factors such as occupational segregation, educational attainment, work experience, and societal expectations regarding gender roles. Let’s look at them:

• Occupational Segregation: Men and women are often concentrated in different industries and occupations, with women more likely to work in lower-paying jobs. This is partly due to societal expectations and biases that influence which careers are deemed “appropriate” for each gender.
• Educational Attainment: While women have made significant strides in educational achievement, they still face barriers in accessing certain fields of study, such as STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). This limits their earning potential in some of the highest-paying industries.
• Work Experience: Women are more likely to take career breaks or work part-time to fulfill caregiving responsibilities, which can lead to a gap in work experience compared to their male counterparts. This can impact their earning potential and career advancement.
• Societal Expectations: Traditional gender roles and expectations can influence the way men and women negotiate their salaries, with women often being less assertive in negotiating higher pay.

When we hear the word “feminism,” let’s not shy away from it or feel threatened. Instead, let’s remember the warm, compassionate, and loving principles at its core. By embracing feminism, we can work together to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to grow, thrive, and be their authentic selves, all while surrounded by love and understanding.

Equity: A key pillar of Feminism

Equality refers to treating everyone the same, providing each person with identical resources, opportunities, and support. However, this approach may not always result in fair outcomes, as it fails to take into account the unique circumstances, challenges, and needs of each individual.

Equity, on the other hand, focuses on providing people with the specific resources and support they need to achieve equal outcomes. This approach acknowledges that individuals may face different obstacles and require tailored solutions to achieve their full potential.

One of the good ways to exercising equity could be looking at the natural phenomenon like menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth, and child care, these, shouldn’t affect the inclusiveness of women. Systems should be created so they don’t feel left out.

The importance of equity in Feminism

Equity plays a crucial role in feminism, as it recognizes and addresses the unique challenges faced by different individuals due to their gender, race, socioeconomic status, or other factors. Feminism seeks to level the playing field with equity, ensuring that everyone has the tools and resources needed to succeed.

Breaking News! Misandry and Feminism are not the same thing

Another issue is how people use Feminism and Misandry interchangeably without even knowing. Some groups of people believe that Feminism promotes Misandry. Let’s not twist things, these are at the extreme end of the spectrum. They are not the same thing.

Misandry is the hatred, disdain, or prejudice against men. It is the opposite of misogyny, which is the hatred, disdain, or prejudice against women. Misandry is a rare and extreme phenomenon that exists in some individuals or groups, and it is not a part of the feminist movement. Feminism does not promote or condone any form of hatred or prejudice against men or any other group of people.

Conclusion

Having understood what Feminism is about, it’s important we all partake in the movement to create an enabling for one and for all.

I am a Feminist, you should be, too.