Feminism is about rights for all of us

I THINK the idea of what it is to be a feminist gets lost – perhaps in the name or some of the energy around it. The true meaning of feminism is the movement of women having equal rights to men and not women having rights superior to men.

When the subject of women’s rights comes up in our Grade 10 classroom, some boys begin to feel attacked or uncomfortable and immediately start to defend themselves, because they feel the topic is about making them feel bad about themselves.

In order for positive changes to take place and for things to move forward, the idea has to change. We are all one.

Anyone who believes that everyone should be equal is in fact a feminist.

Mostly, when something is given a name it summarises the main idea of what it is. I think the word feminism creates the idea of a fight for women against men and that is not what it is. Support should be given by everyone, because no one should feel as if they are alone in the “fight” or that they are being fought against. It is not a fight, it is a movement for positive change.

Our world has improved so much when it comes to women having rights and freedom that for this to continue, the mindset needs to stay positive. I hope that what I have to say has helped people to think about things differently and that I have created a more positive light around this subject. How can you help and play a part in this massive, amazing movement? AYANA MEYBURGH | Constantia Waldorf School