My take on feminism

This topic has often been misinterpreted and blown out of proportion by those who engage in arguments about it.

In today’s world, women have become increasingly independent, and it’s not uncommon for many educated women to identify as feminists. However, it’s important to note that feminism doesn’t mean advocating for the abolition of the male gender or promoting extreme actions like castration (which is clearly sarcasm). In reality, feminism is a concept rooted in promoting gender equality and advocating for the rights and opportunities of all genders.

Misconceptions about feminism can lead to confusion and divisive debates, but it’s crucial to understand that at its core, feminism aims to create a fair and just society where individuals are not discriminated against based on their gender.

In the patriarchal African community, women in the past were often confined to a role where they were expected to be seen and not heard. They were relegated to the background of life, denied opportunities to excel and make a name for themselves. Many regarded women as unintelligent and inherently weaker, to the extent that their opinions were often disregarded in matters concerning the growth and development of the community. In some tribes, women weren’t even allowed to sit with the elders in the village square, let alone participate in family gatherings.

These attitudes and restrictions were indeed a form of insolence and an injustice. Having witnessed the challenges that our mothers and grandmothers endured as we grew up, it’s only natural to advocate for the equality of our rights and to demand justice in the process. The desire for gender equality and justice is a response to rectify these historical wrongs and to ensure that women have a voice, agency, and equal opportunities in society.

It’s important to recognize that many of our great-grandmothers passed away without the opportunity to fully express their intelligence and capabilities. In the past, any woman who sought to make her voice heard was often labeled as evil and subordinated by the male-dominated society.

Historically, stories of warriors and heroes predominantly featured men, with only a limited number of women defying the odds to be recognized as heroines. Upon closer examination, it becomes clear that many of these women were either unmarried or widowed, as some men with fragile egos and deep-seated inferiority complexes were reluctant to marry strong, independent women.

The advent of civilization and the expansion of educational opportunities for girls have exposed women to academic knowledge, leading many to aspire to be a force to be reckoned with. This transformation has given rise to the feminist movement and women identifying as feminists.

As for my take on this issue, it is a personal perspective, and it depends on my values and viewpoint. Feminism, at its core, seeks gender equality and the recognition of women’s rights and opportunities, without diminishing or threatening the rights of men. It is a movement aimed at rectifying historical injustices and striving for a more equitable and just society. Whether you support this cause or have a different perspective, it’s important to engage in thoughtful discussions and consider the experiences and aspirations of all individuals in society.

Actually, everybody should be a feminist.

The relegation of females has been a common issue in Africa, and some have even chosen to undergo transgender procedures in an attempt to feel more empowered. Others have opted not to get married, refusing to subject themselves to the authority of a man. It’s important to respect the choices individuals make regarding their lives and identities.

As a feminist, I stand against the adjudgment and discrimination of women as non-relevant. I believe that what a man can do, a woman can do better. Gender equality benefits society as a whole by harnessing the talents and contributions of everyone, regardless of their gender.

But as soon as completely bitter women, hiding under the aegis of feminism begins to spew hate speech, I beg to retreat.

And the fact that the holy book ensures that women were created second to their men, does not mean that we should hide underneath this fact to debar my gender from making constructive suggestions or contributions to major life issues. More like she’d always get it wrong.

Regardless of my response, even if I were to answer as a queen to a king, I would still refuse to be relegated. It’s vital to distinguish between submission and relegation; submission can be a personal choice and a sign of respect or cooperation within a relationship, while relegation implies being forced into a lower status or position against one’s will. It’s crucial to ensure that individuals, regardless of their gender, have the autonomy to make choices that align with their values and preferences.

I firmly believe that, as a female, I have the potential to possess qualities and abilities capable of changing our world. This is why I reject any attempt to silence me based on my sex.

These are the facts.

It’s true that there are diverse and self-proclaimed definitions of feminism. Unfortunately, those who advocate for feminism for the wrong reasons may try to impose their contrasting beliefs on others. This, in part, contributes to the challenges we face in achieving victory for the feminist movement. It’s essential for those advocating for feminism to engage in open and respectful dialogues to find common ground and work together toward the ultimate goals of gender equality and dismantling systemic gender-based discrimination. Unity of purpose is crucial for the success of the feminist movement.

Now, feminism by definition is the sheer advocacy of the rights of women, on the basis of the equality of both sexes.

Anyone preaching what is contrary to this is fighting a personal battle but hiding under the aegis of feminism to spew hate. Period!!

So to you all, for the right reasons, I am a feminist.

This is because, I also want inheritances shared equally among the children of a deceased irrespective of their gender.

I also want the mother of the bride to remain in attendance when her in-laws are around to ask for the hand of her daughter in marriage.

Likewise, I want leaders chosen and voted into power based on credibility and intelligence, not by sex. I personally can beat many men to a lot of struggles and competitions and I hate to hear the word you all scream across some gender biased table that goes like;

“Oh, a woman cannot be Governor or President of Nigeria”

Who says??

A stance I’ll maintain still.

All of these regardless, I would never shy away from the fact that I am a WO-MAN. One who craves to be cared for by a MAN who should be gentleman enough to open the door for me when we go on a date. (This once sparked a global debate and I’m like, why does opening of knobs on a date be related to feminism for crying out loud?)

Well, financially speaking now, it doesn’t matter if I earn more, a man should rise up to the responsibilities of being responsible. I am created to assist, sometimes to take charge if I’m more versed or blessed. It should not be a big deal and same is expected not to emasculate a male with good balls or should it?

And that the only time I admittedly want to be called a weaker vessel is when I am about to be pampered. Who wants to stay strong in the face of a Porsche or the latest Bentley as a gift? Otherwise? With the right training, my strength could still be unmatched despite being a female with wielding guns in a battle.

Be that as it may mother nature favors us more. Some more bitter females aren’t even aware of that. We are saved first at war-fronts, somehow, believe it or not, we rule the world right after God, or who else? If not the element of procreation?

Not forgetting the bubble-headed, heartbroken females that would endlessly scream feminism without a knowledgeable understanding of same, how is this even your struggle?

Anyway for the right reasons, coupled with the google and dictionary definitions of feminism, I am loyal to being referred to as a feminist.

But by the call for axing down, castrating, burning and roasting alive of all men to make a nice roasted beef, then without any unreserved apology, I refuse to be a part of you, I actually have a loving dad.

And from experiences by the way, it’s okay to initially hate men at a time, it is completely okay to hurt. But when you begin to spew hate on the male folks, only to quietly fall in love when you finally found the right person? How exactly do you want your thunder? Hot, warm, fried, roasted or just plainly chilled and iced from the refrigerator of life?

Finally;

Question;            Am I a feminist?

Response:           Going by the dictionary meaning? Yes, but by popular demand? I could scream a loud NO too.

I no dey o.

#titirants