Yes, I am a Feminist.

Yday, after my speech where I urged that the world needs more people who can proudly say that they are feminist, many girls came forward and spoke to me and said that they could relate to every sentence of what I spoke. However, one girl asked me this question ," Maam, I agree that we should be a feminist. But is it necessary to keep telling this? Doesn't this lead to the men staying away from us or lead to others being judgemental about us? Won't it lead to a negative perception about us? "  I didnt argue much with this young girl whose perception about feminism is distorted. But after i came back, I ruminated on this.

I have thought about this several times in my mind before proclaiming my stands on feminism. I read about feminism and why this is needed more than ever. I realised that there is nothing wrong in standing strong for what you believe is right. If a person can announce his / her religion / caste / political ideologies and all kinds of affiliations why not we say proudly that we are a feminist?

 I understand that feminism in current context is equated to activism  for some kind of political or  self centered propaganda.  But that is not the kind of feminism that I believe in. I believe in a feminism where a woman is considered as an individual with equal or more capabilities and her potentials in contributing to economical and social development of the nation is never undervalued. I believe in a feminism where the woman is considered as an individual with an active mind and dreams of her own and are not limited by stereotypical expectations or patriarchal notions. I believe in a feminism which values the feminine energy that is not just powerful enough to nurture but also  destroy the chains that bind her growth. I believe in a feminism which ensures equal participation of women in all walks of life and not just get limited to certain arenas. I believe in a feminism which provides ample opportunities for her to develop herself and to explore her hidden talents. I believe in a feminism which says to the next generation of girls and boys that "anything is possible for a girl !" 

And Yes, there by I am a Feminist and I proudly keep saying the same. Yes, i do know that this stand of mine could be "negative" for some people who cannot understand the above meaning of feminism.

#CeeVee #Feminism

Pic: My life is my message - Selfie with Gandhiji at Geneva.