Advertisement

Who’s afraid of the big bad feminist?

By Lyana Khairuddin

Justin Trudeau, the Prime Minister of Canada, when asked on why his recently announced Cabinet is diverse and made up of 50% women, answered simply: “Because it’s 2015.”

Sadly, the rest of the world did not get the notice.

Mr Trudeau’s cabinet is considered ground breaking and revolutionary because we have seen too many cases of homogeneity in elected representatives. In most expert panels, be it in the fields of politics, economy, science, finance, or even faith-based discussions, women seem to be relegated to participatory roles. We see many women working in non-governmental organisations (NGOs), but very few take on leadership and decision-making roles.

Most women-led NGO focus on women issues, as if we are not capable of thinking beyond the needs of our gender. Despite overall progress in feminism, we still do not see more inclusion of women of colour or of diverse sexuality in leadership positions.

I recently sat through a forum on feminism that was held in Kuala Lumpur, where two of the panelists admitted to not being comfortable with the label “feminists”. When probed, one of them answered that she believes in equal rights, but do not think that feminists could be wives and mothers. To her, it is easier to be a feminist if one is a young and single woman. The other panelist equates the label “feminist” as putting people into boxes, and prefers to not be labelled at all.

While I respect their opinions on the matter, I think that not admitting to being feminists limits the cause itself. Diversity would only strengthen any cause, as more people would feel included.

In an ideal world that practices mutual respect and kindness, all of us would become the best human beings we are capable of. Yet, despite this being the 21st century, we still have young girls denied education, forced into marriages – or worse, sex work – and unable to gain the respect and kindness that their more privileged counterparts enjoy.

Hence, feminism is still relevant in the long fight towards equality. In most modern societies, misogyny and sexual harassment still exist. We still see a lack of women in decision-making positions and political roles. Generally, women earn 77% of what a man makes in the same field of work. In most cases, working wives and mothers are also expected to shoulder the burden of housework and childcare more than men, all the while balancing their career needs.

And most women are still afraid to label themselves as feminists. Webster defines feminism as the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes. Theoretically, if one supports feminism, one should be a feminist. Yet, over the years, feminism is associated with man-hating, unshaved legs and underarms, bra burning, and letting menstrual blood flow freely.

When has it become taboo for feminists to also be wives and mothers? When have women who love to feel pretty, wear make-up and jewelry, are more comfortable using tampons or sanitary pads during menstruation less of a feminist?

We must not restrict the feminist narrative. I am a Muslim, liberal, and I like to wear short skirts. I wax my legs. I aspire to have a love story like Ellie and Carl from Up. I also happen to be a scientist.

I am a feminist.

It’s time that women stop being afraid of the feminist label, and reclaim it. The definition of feminism itself needs to be broadened, and must no longer be taken literally. Feminism must move beyond its current perceptions.

We must include men and transgender persons in feminism. To treat women, men and transgender persons as equals, we have to begin by respecting the needs of each gender. From gender-neutral public amenities to breastfeeding rooms and paternity leave so men can share the responsibility of being parents, all of us must progress towards shaping a world that is inclusive and ‘equal’ for all genders.

Young girls and boys must be allowed to develop their talents in their fields of choice, without gender stereotype. Education should be for all, and no young girl should be pressured into marriage. As poverty is often the root cause of lack of access to education, we must pressure governments worldwide to continue efforts to eradicate poverty too. This can be achieved through good governance, reducing corruption, and reallocation of military funding.

It is our responsibility to reclaim the feminist narrative. We have to be courageous enough to put our voices in the discourse, we must stand up and be counted, and we must be included. We have to play our roles in our fields of choice, yet we must do so with kindness and respect to all genders, sexualities, ethnicities, and religious beliefs.

After all, it is 2015.