RECLAIMING FEMINISM

LIBERAL FEMINISM

The text discusses the ongoing relevance of liberal feminism, particularly in the context of Iceland's recent (7th) women's strike, which highlights persistent gender inequalities despite the country’s high ranking in gender equality. Issues like the gender pay gap and the undervaluing of caregiving roles continue to impact women’s lives, even in progressive societies such as Iceland. The gender pay gap still stands at about 10%. Feminists and feminism have always been the subject of ridicule. Liberal feminism, which emerged during the second wave of feminism, has traditionally focused on achieving equality in opportunities, legal, political and economic equality and the promotion of more egalitarian gender roles within households. The realities of motherhood, caring and family - key aspects of the second wave - were increasingly disregarded, the assumption being that care could be outsourced or that men would take up caring roles. However, the movement has faced criticism from various sides, including the "manosphere" and some radical and more conservative feminists, for being too mainstream, too in bed with the system and too sidetracked by relative trivialities such as microagressions, boardroom representation and, yes, the gender pay gap. In Europe at least, feminism has brought us maternity provision, equal pay and drastically expanded opportunities outside of the home. Women will continue to want to be educated, have careers and contribute to public life. Despite this backlash, the author argues that liberal feminism still plays a crucial role in addressing economic independence, work, and family issues for women. While the movement may need to evolve and address current societal shifts, it remains essential in promoting gender equality. The author cautions against dismissing liberal feminism entirely in favor of more radical approaches, emphasizing the need for a balanced perspective that recognizes the achievements and ongoing challenges within the feminist movement.

FEMINIST MANIFESTO AND RAISING A CHILD TO BE A FEMINIST-The daily show with Trevor Noah

A Nigerian woman wrote a book: Feminist manifesto in 15 suggestions. She is considered as one of the most foremost feminists of our time and she explaines that feminism is viewed as a negative thing because feminism has long been associated with the most extreme versions of it. People think of feminists is sort of a crazy woman who hits men and doesn't shave. But she says feminism is the same as equalism: Feminism is about justice for everyone. But you have to name a problem. And the problem is it's women who've been excluded. (same with black lives matter= all lives matter). The book was created when she wrote an email to her friend who asked her how to teach her baby to be a feminist. There are some suggestions where she talks about how you can encourage your child to be anythig. If a daughter likes blue, if she likes to play with boys toys etc. that shouldn't mean that she should shun her femininity. That's not what feminism is. She thinks the feminism and femininity are not mutually exclusive. The problem is if somebody is pushing you to be what you don't want to be then that's not feminism. You have to think of yourself as an individual. When the host asked her if it is not feminism if a woman likes that a man opens the doors for her she answers that chivalry is about the idea that women are somehow weak. Another point she makes that you should never speak of marriage as an achievement. We've created a world where the best thing you can be as a woman is a wife to a man but a man can have every other achievement. We raise girls to aspire to marriage in a way we don't raise boys. She concludes with saying that a lot of the work has to be done by men. Men need to participate be on board because feminism is not something that is attacking them but it is a good thing for everyone.