Careful

I rolled my eyes when I read that a woman minister of the status of women does not consider herself a feminist. I have read several texts by authors outraged by her statement who have quoted simplistic dictionary definitions of the word feminism:

“attitude of those who want women’s rights to be the same as those of men.”

At first glance, one might think that feminism is indeed the promotion of equality between men and women. However, when we take the time to read this very simplistic and reductive definition of feminism, we could lead us to believe that the definition of feminism implies that men have all the advantages and that women are the only ones to suffer disadvantages from their gender. However, both men and women suffer the consequences of double standards and do not benefit from certain opportunities granted to women. Feminism works mainly to remove the inequalities that women may experience in this definition. A definition that promotes equality would look something like this:

“attitude of those who want the rights and opportunities of women and men to be equal”

• expressing their emotions that leads to mental health difficulties
• always need to be strong which leads you not to seek help
• Ridiculing and humiliating for so-called feminine interests
• fear or accusation of being perceived as a pedophile with children in typically female fields (e.g. daycare)
• Custody of the child more difficult in divorce proceedings compared to the mother
• Prison sentence harsher than women for the same crime
• Less paternity leave
• Greater difficulty in reporting physical and sexual violence by a woman
• Etc.

Generally, organizations claiming to be feminists promote help for women to get out of and fight the inequalities they face on a daily basis. How many organizations typically help with the real difficulties that men face? Not too long ago, one of the only centres to help men who had experienced sexual assault was closed due to lack of funds. It is clear that feminist organizations have their place in our society, but do they really promote equality between men and women or do they fight the inequalities that women suffer? Which, in my humble opinion, is not necessarily the same fight. It would require in-depth reflection to really draw a conclusion. However, there are feminist organizations and movements that are actually working on both fronts.

The feminist movement has had several different waves and philosophies over the years. There are still different perceptions about the meaning of feminism today. It is a social movement that is constantly changing. The term feminism leads us to believe that the movement is still for women and not for men because of its history and the word for the designated. This might have led the minister and many others not to identify with this philosophy and conviction.

Yes, but she is the Minister of the Status of WOMEN!!