Feminism is Everyone's Issue

Emma Watson, UN women ambassador and actress, recently gave a speech on feminism and launched a campaign called HeForShe. She addressed several problems, one of which has become increasingly apparent. That the title, "feminist", has become something of a taboo, a word that many women and men alike are are afraid to be associated with. It is unfortunate that such an empowering concept has such a negative connotation.

Watson said that one reason for this is that many people think the word means anti-men. This is false. As Watson stated, “Feminism by definition is the belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities. It is the theory of political, economic, and social equality of the sexes.”

Yet still many women shy away from the concept of feminism and many men feel threatened by it.

Soon after delivering her speech, a website popped up threatening to expose nude photos of Watson. Although the threats turned out to be a hoax, after a reaction like this, it is no wonder that people are hesitant to voice their opinions on the subject for fear of being personally and emotionally attacked.  That has to change.

In her speech, Watson pointed out to men that “gender equality is your issue too.” This speaks to the fact that female empowerment isn’t about disempowering males. It’s about becoming stronger as a human race. Both men and women must get on the same page. If not accept the title “feminist”, they must at least embrace the concept. Only then will gender equality be achieved.