By Diana Tsitsi Munharira
Feminism is a common term in the 20th century, one meaning, but different interpretations and many misconceptions. By definition feminism is a social, political and cultural movement which aims to achieve gender equality and challenge patriarchal systems. A feminist is an advocate for women rights, empowerment and social justice addressing issues such as gender based violence, reproductive rights and health care, equal pay and economic opportunities
Feminism is grounded in equity more than equality Equality is about treating everyone the same while equity is treating everyone fairly and justly considering their unique needs. While there are many theories on feminism, I am going to dwell on the difference between the well-known theories which are liberal and radical theories. The liberal theory of feminism focuses on equity within existing systems while the radical one challenges patriarchal structures of society.
As already mentioned, feminism is a subject of a lot of misconstruction, from assertions like feminism is all about hating man to, feminism is only for women and feminism is a western concept, these are some of the misconceptions around the term FEMINISM. By just understanding and addressing these misconceptions, we can work towards a more inclusive and equitable feminist movement that is not antagonistic.
Blessing Chibanda ,a Young Women Rising training programme alumni is of the view that acceptance of feminism can only happen if more awareness campaigns are taken to the lowest strata of society .
“We need to educate the society, people are of the view that feminism is here to outshine males, draw them back and rob them of their dignity and it needs to be rectified from the grass root level upwards,” said Blessing.
Civil society activist and journalist who spoke on condition of anonymity, contends that for feminism to be widely acceptable, the feminist need to change their modus operandi.
“Most feminists out there are not good role models, there is need to debunk this them against us feel around feminism and it is the feminist themselves who can do that not only by way of theoretical education but practically,” he said.
Blogger and development practioner Tatenda Unika Kombora concurred highlighting that its not surprising that feminism is subjected to misconceptions and misunderstanding.
“Feminism has been branded in a way that most people see it is as an anti-men movement and its understandable because feminism in reality speaks of balancing the power relations between genders in society. Traditionally the power has been with men, whether it’s political, economic or social. Given the background, it would then seem like feminism is taking away the power which was primarily held by men in society,” she said.
She added every institution interested in real and actual equality should, “include males in every solution, every intervention, they must be part of the conversations surrounding equality and it also has to be in a way that is acceptable to them. I would want to see those in these spaces crafting messages that are not aggressive, that speaks to unity and working together and understanding the human nature of everyone involve, she opined.
While feminism has grown as a movement, its acceptance and envisaged impact especially in Africa has been somewhat limited because of the label that it carries and it might be time for those involved in its perpetuation to change tact.