An open letter to feminists

We must make sure that no one suffers explicit discrimination or is implicitly treated unequally and disempowered


Umnia Shahid July 25, 2015

Dear feminists,

First things first; every time you attack, berate, or try to degrade a woman for not choosing to label herself a feminist, you are in fact, debunking the claim that feminism stands for equality. If you are a feminist, please keep in mind that boys too can be raped. Boys can be victims. Men are also affected by gender roles. Men can feel oppressed. Men can be objectified. Boys’ lives matter just as much as ours. Girls can be misogynists. Girls can oppress. There is more than one gender and feminism should be inclusive. Boys are not monsters, misogynists are.

Feminism is essentially the advocacy of women’s rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men. The term is terrific. I support it a 100 per cent. However, the image surrounding it has become one of misperception, separation and disgust. Just because I’m an anti-feminist, does not make me a ‘woman-hater’. Also, it does not mean I want women to have no rights. I like to call myself a humanist — we’re all accountable to treat our fellow humans equally and in the way that is most empowering for all of us. That means we need to comprehend the unique ways that each particular group can get affected, intentionally or unintentionally. We must make sure that no one suffers explicit discrimination or is implicitly treated unequally and disempowered.

I’m not suggesting feminists have to fight for men’s rights. That would be counter-productive to their movement. However, they cannot lessen the severity of injustices that men face.

Feminists believe that women should be able to speak their mind, yet when women don’t want to associate with the movement, many of them are labelled ‘uneducated’ or ‘anti-women’ — the very words feminists are against.

Women can be strong, smart, funny, athletic, independent, phenomenal leaders, hardworking, talented and considerate. Women can also be discourteous, manipulative, abusive, and are capable of oppressing men and other women. I don’t care if you’re a feminist, or an anti-feminist, but if you believe one of these statements and not the other, you aren’t for equality.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 25th, 2015.

COMMENTS (7)

proud to be femine | 8 years ago | Reply So all women that complain to men , don't open anydoors for me , I will pay for my own dinner ?you think feminism empowers you ? Then we as women wonder why their are few men left who value a committed relationship? I was blessed to find such a man. You wonder why men aren't so accommodating to women anymore? Get over yourselves please.. The enlightenment of the new era of feminism? Has not enlightened or freed us as women . we are only free when we celebrate the differences of each unique gender. Both have something to bring to the table
proud of my feminity | 8 years ago | Reply So all women that complain to men , don't open anydoors for me , I will pay for my own dinner ?you think feminism empowers you ? Then we as women wonder why their are few men left who value a committed relationship? I was blessed to find such a man. You wonder why men aren't so accommodating to women anymore? Get over yourselves please.. The enlightenment of the new era of feminism? Has not enlightened or freed us as women . we are only free when we celebrate the differences of each unique gender. Both have something to bring to the table.
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