When I was young I never heard about International Women’s Day, even though it’s been around since the early 1900’s. Today, my social media is overrun with the message. Growing advocacy for women’s rights and recognition, as well as the increased availability of online social platforms, has skyrocketed our ability to have this conversation and celebrate this day globally.

What is International Women’s Day? According to the official campaign website, March 8^th is “a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.” It is not hosted by any one institution but is supported by countless.

Who is celebrating International Women’s Day? Literally anybody who appreciates and respects what females contribute to humankind. The day is, first and foremost, a celebration. A party! An awards ceremony! It’s saying, “You can do it!” and, “You did it!”. You do not have to be a feminist to recognize the incredible impact of women.

What is feminism? According to Merriam Webster dictionary, feminism is “the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes”.

In highschool I would have been quick to describe myself as a feminist. As it became a buzzword, however, I became afraid to associate it with my name. I saw peoples’ reactions to the word become increasingly negative, escalating from eye rolls, to scorn, to outright verbal attacks. Whole communities seem to associate feminism with cult-like man haters, and I didn’t want to be a part of that.

As the #metoo and #timesup movements have exploded, I re-evaluated my disassociation from the word. The actual definition and negative perceptions weren’t matching up, and I finally decided to screw the negativity and support something I believe in under the name it carries.

Feminism is NOT about hating men. Feminism is NOT about thinking women are better than men. Feminists are not trying to reverse the roles. Feminism is about EQUALITY.

Finally… yes, men can be feminists too! In fact, any man who supports gender equality IS a feminist whether he calls himself one or not. The term is feminine, but the scope is universal. It DOES apply to men, and it DOES effect men. There is not a person on this earth whom has not been treated differently or met with skewed expectations because of their gender. Feminists want to even the field for everybody.

#proudfeminist

 

Some personal role models that I respect and find inspiration from are celebrated below!

Emma Watson

Child actor turned UN Women Goodwill Ambassador. Emma studied English literature at Brown University, which is a subject especially close to my heart. She is an educated woman with a classy sense of style who throws herself into supporting the causes she cares about. She is the kind of woman I hope my someday-daughters will look up to. (If you haven’t already, look up her speeches. They’re incredible.)

Jane Austen

Not only does she write brilliantly, but she brings to life female characters with wit and personality in an era when they could not even inherit property. Jane herself had a difficult life, yet all her stories have happy endings. She was a courageous woman who found her voice in stories. She will always be one of my favorite authors.

Michelle Obama

She had standards to meet as the First Lady of the United States, but her campaigns stretch far beyond standards. She advocates passionately and with genuine care for a myriad of causes from nutrition to poverty awareness.   Another woman with a classy fashion sense, she has become a role model for women around the world.

And soooo many more! History is rife with incredible, intelligent, beautiful women who have stepped up to fight for equality or in other ways contribute to society. 

 

Men – like I said, feminism is about equality. Don’t fret, we will celebrate International Men’s Day on November 19th!