Anger over aims and blames of feminism

Sir — I want to take issue with two articles by Niamh Horan (Sunday Independent, January 29 and February 12).

Both reinforce archaic gender stereotypes which do a grave disservice to women and men. Both also misrepresent feminism and its aims.

Contrary to what Ms Horan infers, feminism is focused on injustice, not domination.

Its wins for women are wide-ranging. To list them all would be impossible but selected highlights include: the establishment of vital services for domestic violence, reproductive health, and sexual violence; outlawing marital rape; demanding equal pay for equal work and the right to maternity leave; ensuring women have equality of access to education; winning women the vote.

The success of secondwave feminism led to a welldocumented and sustained backlash, orchestrated in part by sections of the media.

Ms Horan’s articles could certainly be construed as part of this effort to undermine the gains of the movement by misrepresenting its aims and misappropriating blame.

Ms Horan should understand that feminism is not monolithic; it is a diverse, vibrant school of thought and activism. Feminism does not dictate what women want; it fights for the conditions that allow women to choose in every aspect of their lives.

A long-standing aim of feminism has been the realisation of a more liveable world for all, women and men alike. Ms Horan would do well to remember the words of Mary Wollstonecraft, who wrote in 1792: “I do not wish them [women] to have power over men; but over themselves.” Mary McGill, Athenry, Galway