Feminism

By Simran Thakur

Feminism. A voice for women's identity. I noticed from my childhood "Feminism" remains the most popular topic in humans. Many years ago, this wave started from a fight for rights, but today, its definition changing daily. When I was a child, I defined it as "a feminist woman is a great achiever who works hard for her dreams. She inspires many women by her talent and dedication." But, Nowadays, I see the virtual world has changed feminism's real-life definition. For fame, the virtual world creates content that people like to see for entertainment. It may affect the present generation, especially the small kids. Whenever I look at these fake or publicity posts on social media or other mediums, it blurs the image of feminism in my mind. Sometimes, I ask myself, "feminism" is what? Things that I see through the virtual world or I experience in real life?

This social world finishes the difference between fake and real. The fact is "a fight started from the equality for women, is now changing into the hatred between genders." Things are changing at this level; other genders start questioning, "Why everything is for women here?"

For better understanding, I collect many definitions from various sources, "It is the belief that women should have the same rights and opportunities as men." "Belief in and desire for equality between the sexes. It encompasses social, political and economic equality." "It is the goal to challenge the systemic inequalities women face daily." Each line points to "Women desire equity" or "Women face inequalities everywhere."

Now the following questions are, what is "Feminism" in real life? What are the things that make a woman a true feminist? How can the virtual meaning be different from the real world?

A truth acceptable by all is; women proved themselves in many fields, where this society said no to them. Women have gotten nothing easily here. She is a born fighter because she faces uncountable issues and raises voices for an independent life.

I must say, stop believing in the virtual world of fake advertisements. Feminism never means that everything is for women, but it means the laws, opportunities, respect must be similar without the discrimination of genders. It is the craving for opportunities to do something for the country. It is not the fight against other genders; it is the view to finish discrimination.

I believe a true feminist woman always respects the sacrifices of others. She always explains the strength of a woman, mentoring to become financially strong, help others solve issues, inspire others by their work. A feminist always surprises all with her achievements. She never believes in the fake world. She works with reality. She has the view to see this world uniquely. Feminism is the call so that every gender can take part in the betterment of the country.

Feminism does not present in wearing expensive clothes, jewellery, phones; it looks good in the virtual world. But talent, dedication and opportunity are not tempted dresses and money. Feminism lives in the brain and devotion to your goal. An intelligent woman's beauty is her brain, hard work, focus and capability to make herself a feminist. A self-dependent woman understands it stays in holding their expenses by own. Doing show off without talent or hard work is just a waste thing. Fake feminism is not suited to the reality of life. Stay away from artificial and proves you have a unique personality. Expensive products never make you a feminist, but a high-quality working mind can make you a true feminist.

In a virtual world, feminism means; marry to a rich man. Marrying a rich man never makes women self-dependent, but it makes them dependable on others. It is a wrong message given to society. Every woman has the right to choose her partner or marry whenever feels ready. But, only finding a rich guy for marrying is a foolish thing. These things are purposely present for entertainment. Feminism is becoming yourself rich by your talent. So, don't wait for a rich guy who will make you a rich woman. A woman has to achieve everything on their own. Many sacrifices you will have to do, for success. Whether is mentally, physically, financially or emotionally; A feminist woman has to be ready for challenges. Nothing gets comfortably here. The decision is yours either you can wait for a rich man or make yourself a responsible woman on your own.

Feminism is the fight of the approach. It requires that one gender should value the other. Women want respect, nothing much more than to it. We humans have to understand, every gender has its structure and uniqueness. We all have to respect god's creation. Feminism is an appeal if a woman walks on the road people see her with due respect, not staring at her like she is doing something wrong.

In movies or social media, people spread rumours for few likes and followers. Feminism is not the fight for false propaganda. It is a real-life issue, the truth of today. Feminism never says that a company should pay more for women or that the government should waive the fare of public vehicles. It is an appeal that the salary of women will be the same as men. Women are also capable of paying equal amounts. They also want to become a part of this economy and help to improve it with their hard work. So, it is better, instead of waiving the rent, we focus on giving equal pay to all.

Feminism is the fight for the laws. We see that the crimes against women are increasing day by day. This fight is for the right to live, without fear, without restrictions. Women never said the laws only work for them, but it must be strict; to feel safe in this world. It never allows that a woman has the right to break the rule. If a woman uses their rights against someone and finds guilty, the same punishments follow for her.

I saw on social media; to create nuisance on roads, drinking alcohol, using foul language, smoking, going to bars counted in feminism or feminist. They all are anyone's personal choice; nobody can add them to the list. It is wrong in every aspect of feminism.

Feminism is not only to give an education to a girl child. It defines whenever she needs support you provide her. In some states, people educate their girl child until she turns fourteen-fifteen. After that, they start preparing her for the marriage. It is sad, but the truth; Every year, twenty-three million girls drop their schools in India when they start menstruating. Feminism is the awareness of this topic; it is a step to educate more people about it. For more growth, and the lightning tomorrow, we all have to work together. Family support is the best support a girl wants in her life. If people start understanding it, the life of many women will affect positively. Also, it opens the door of development for them.

Most people target reserving seats and a compartment for women on public transport. So, these facilities are not for women's comfort. They all are for safety. Every day many cases you can read related to abuse, making videos, inappropriately touching on the public area. Feminism neither means that "it should reserve a seat for women," nor "only a man has to stand, provide their space." Feminism means that if a girl needs an area, anybody can give their place to the needy. Feminism also lies when a woman shares her seat with a needy person. Without knowing, what is age, gender or problem is. A feminist always helps others. Feminism is also humanity.

In the end, stop watching fraudulent content of the virtual world. Stay connected with the real world. Work hard to make yourself a true feminist. Many women are here who creates realistic examples of feminism. So, it should you follow them, not fake people. Every woman has something unique; find out your talent and write a new definition of feminism for the next generation. Be a woman who inspires millions of others.

By Simran Thakur