Although the dictionary definition of feminism involves the equality of men and women, the most beneficial type of feminism is intersectional, meaning it involves race, class, ethnicity, religion, education, as well as a multitude of factors.
This was coined in the late 20th century by Kimberlé Crenshaw.
This essentially means that one person’s feminism is not another person’s feminism. There is no ‘one size fits all feminism.’
This means that my feminism is
not every woman’s feminism, as our experiences as women, and people, differ. I acknowledge that I have privileges
and different opportunities than other women, and realize that I am a different person because of them.
Feminism as a fundamental concept may be the same, but every woman’s need for feminism is different.
“An easy way to explain intersectional feminism is the idea that feminism in certain areas of the world have different ‘starting points’,” said senior Olivia Q. Mann. “For example, in the United States, women are struggling and fighting to break the ‘glass ceiling.’ But in Iran, the institutions aren’t even available to women for a ‘glass ceiling’ to exist.”
To someone that doesn’t believe in intersectional feminism, perhaps the best means of educating them is in the problems that exist beyond their view of the globe.
This includes issues far beyond something as politicized as the wage gap, and are often issues of domestic violence and basic human rights.
But feminism is an umbrella term for a movement that seeks to right all of these issues.
It is a movement that seeks to bring equality to a population that has been denied it for so long.
So, why is this relevant now? Now, more than ever, we have the resources
to spread awareness and educate people about the social problems that still exist in our world today.
The issues that women face around the world are indisputable, they are not up for debate.
“At this point, it doesn’t really make sense to argue about feminism,” said senior Lena Kogan. “It’s pretty hard to say that you don’t believe in equal rights, and I can’t imagine anyone saying that they don’t want the world to be a better place. ”
But, especially with the internet, we have the ability to make a difference in the lives of women globally.
This portion of women’s rights, on
the other hand, is up for debate. The
ways that women can be impacted, the most successful means of intervention
in situations where there is not gender equality, and the best steps that can be taken to ensure success are controversial and are not agreed upon. For those trying to make a difference, one thing is for certain.
Change is not only possible and necessary, but change taken must be different for each woman.