Feminism: the idea that everyone is entitled to freedom and equality, somehow seen as ācontroversialā among certain political groups. Feminism was born from the oppression of women as a homogenous group, although we see today that intersectionality plays a large role in this unequal power dynamic. In our contemporary society, gendered power is not equally distributed but experienced differently by each woman, shaped by various overlapping factors. This, my friends, is intersectionality.
The modern feminist understanding states that the struggles of women cannot be reduced to a single monolithic narrative, as factors including but not limited to class, race, gender identity, religion, and sexual orientation also play a role in privilege. For instance, a rich, white woman would experience more privilege than a woman of colour or a working-class woman, as she might have more access to resources, educational and work opportunities, and beneficial social networks. In order to create a truly equal society, a comprehensive feminist movement must address how these dimensions intersect to shape each womanās life.
Gender itself is a made-up system which serves to maintain the structure of inequality. Dismantling these confining gender roles would challenge the sexist power structure established in our heavily-gendered society. The idea of gender functions as a mechanism of control, limiting individual freedoms and conforming people to narrow definitions of femininity and masculinity, reinforcing this inequality.
Advocating for the rights, freedoms, and equality of women means advocating for ALL women. Not just a niche, privileged version of the 4 billion women who walk this Earth every day.