THE ‘ACTUAL’ FEMINIST - By Janvi Kumari

Written By: Janvi Kumari

Category: Essay

Competition: Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Janvi Kumari, writing under the name "The Actual Feminist," offers a compelling essay titled "THE ‘ACTUAL’ FEMINIST" for the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. This insightful piece delves into the complexities of feminism, challenging societal norms and advocating for true gender equality. As part of the Essay category, Janvi's work invites readers to reconsider preconceived notions about feminism and its impact on both women and men. Her passionate discourse is a powerful call to understand the essence of equality and inclusivity.

About the Work

In "THE ‘ACTUAL’ FEMINIST," Janvi Kumari addresses the misconceptions surrounding feminism and the societal pressures faced by feminists. Her essay is an exploration of the true meaning of feminism, advocating for equal rights and opportunities for all genders. She discusses the historical waves of feminism, the importance of intersectionality, and the ongoing challenges faced by the movement. Janvi's writing is both informative and thought-provoking, urging readers to engage in collective action for a more equitable society.

The Actual Feminist

Original Submission by Janvi Kumari

“Oh, so you are a ‘feminist’, then it must been hard for you to be accepted as a ideal girl/women, right”? Yes, this is what a women or a girl gets to hear when they try to raise their voice against the so called societal terms and conditions ,when they stand up for their own basic rights . These things are not only limited to women but men too. Men who supports the feminism concept or being themselves a feminist are dragged down or called off , such as you are not a men , by those so called men who don’t even know the meaning of feminism or being a feminist. After this all discussion , you might know that there is a whole other discussion or fight against this so called society and its so called people who objectify every other people and even their own people.So, this whole talk should start with knowing the actual meaning of feminism and being a feminist. So, what is it?

Let me take you back in class 10th, yes class 10th to once again learn the meaning of being a feminist . As, NCERT civics says, Feminist: A woman or a man who believes in equal rights and opportunities for women and men , this is what being a feminist means and these things what standing for means feminism .As we are talking about equal opportunities,there always a debate about what does it actual means, as being a girl and also feminist by myself, knows that ,this community of feminist , when we ask for equal opportunities we ask for cerebral opportunities. We don’t say that we want to be 200 kg and beat somebody hell out, no we don’t want to be like that and we do accept that physiologically men and women are different but at last we all call for equal cerebral opportunities ,but at this point we also can’t deny that there are out some women who are doing the same physically labour just like men out there and they are not getting equal as a man , so does other women out there and that’s what we stand for against as a feminist. Feminist seek to challenge and dismantle patriarchal system that perpetuate gender inequality and oppression which works on some principles includes: working to increase equality between all genders, expanding human choice and opportunity for everyone , regardless of gender, eliminating gender stratification and ending discrimination in laws and cultural norms , ending sexual violence and promoting safety and consent, promoting sexual

freedom and reproductive rights , ensuring bodily autonomy for all , challenging unjust power structures and recognizing intersectionality , which acknowledges that gender inequality intersects with race, class , sexuality and other identities, supporting diversity and inclusivity within the feminist movement. Gender

equality and women’s rights have its whole importance like: it promotes social justice by ending discrimination and violence against women and girls , gender equality leads to safer, more inclusive and compassionate communities , empowering women boosts economic growth, innovation, and reduces poverty ,equal access to healthcare and education improves healthy outcomes for women and their families, it encourages diverse perspectives, foster sustainable development and strengthens democracy, gender equality is a collective responsibility that benefits all members of society. Of course, there is no denial in the fact that feminism is not a new word in dictionary and not a modern world trend, actual it have past footprints on its journey till here which shapes today’s world movement of feminism, gives ideas and hope to today’s world feminist. The feminist movement have series of phases and waves , the first wave : focus on suffrage and legal rights in the 19th and early 20th centuries { liberal feminism} , the second wave ; emphasis on workplace equality , reproductive rights , and social liberation in the 1960s - 1980s , the third wave: rise of intersectionality and inclusion of diverse voices in the 1990s- 2000s{ Black feminism }, the fourth wave: digital activism, addressing online harassment , and new forms of advocacy in the 21st century. Contemporary feminism is shaped by key issues such as the global impact of the #Me too movement , which has raised awareness about sexual harassment and led to changes in workplace policies and legal protections. Feminist also focus on increasing representation of women- especially those marginalized groups- in media,politics and leadership, while challenging harmful stereotypes. Intersectionality is central, emphasizing that women’s experiences vary based on race , class, sexuality and other factors, and pushing for inclusive activism. Despite progress, feminism faces ongoing challenges , including backlash and debates over inclusivity and the best strategies for lasting change. Feminism faces challenges such as internal division , co- optation by mainstream institutions, and opposition from conservative groups , while also struggling with persistent gender inequality and ensuring intersectionality. Criticism include

claims of exclusion , an overemphasis on individual rights , lack of transparency and risks faced by women activists, especially in contentious areas . These issues highlight the need for inclusivity and strategic action within feminist movements.

At this point I would love to address those fake feminist who claims themselves as a feminist, just to use it against someone correcting. These people just not setting wrong actions and words as an example but also doing wrong to

other people under this label like , discriminating others not only this there are out some women who just destroying other men respect and dignity under this label or just simply playing women card for their benefits. There are also some women and men who are making fun of this movement and sacrifices of those

people who was involved in this movement , let’s just also stand out against these people too because then only this whole movement can come to an end successfully. The future of feminism lies in collective action , education, and the continued commitment to creating a more just and equitable world for everyone.

About the Competition

The Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 by Hashtag Kalakar showcases the talents of writers from around the world. This prestigious event celebrates the power of words in categories like poetry, essays, and creative writing. Participants are encouraged to express their unique perspectives and contribute to the global conversation on various themes. The competition provides a platform for writers to share their voices and inspire change through the art of writing.

We extend our gratitude to Janvi Kumari for her powerful contribution to the Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. Her essay, "THE ‘ACTUAL’ FEMINIST," is a thoughtful exploration of feminism's core values and challenges. We appreciate Janvi's dedication to promoting understanding and equality through her writing.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.