Why Feminism is Still Important.

I got the chance to attend a recent talk at my university, called 'Why Feminism is Still Important?' I took alot from the discussion and wanted to express my thoughts on the whole debate. Firstly, I find it kind of sad that mentioning the word 'Feminism' can cause a number of negative reactions. Why can't this movement be represented for what it is, or how I see it, (as I am sure many do); as a desire to change attitudes of both men and women and reform the structures that are limiting equality.

If you type in to google 'Is feminism...?'. Words such as important, relevant, dead and sexist come up. No one would disagree that feminism is not the same as it was in the 1970s and 80s, is this to say it's dead? Does a social movement need to happen in the form of protests and marches for it to make a difference? Surely the influence of twitter, facebook and blogs as well as the growth in feminist societies at universities across the UK suggests that feminism it is still important and is in fact growing. Creating a new wave of feminism for the new generation. But in having to question the whole concept of feminism, this suggests that women themselves, (those you would think would be its biggest advocate) are dissociating themselves from it. Some argue that the movement encourages nothing but victims, that women should stop using this as an excuse. 

I honestly believe that if you support gender equality, then you are a feminist, although I can understand that some may identify more with the label than others. To add to this is the questioned idea of progress. Is feminism no longer important because equality has already been achieved? Has the majority of society become complacent, assuming that now women have the vote, are progressing in education and are gaining high position jobs that we no longer need to bother?

Why we still need to bother:

• Women are still severely under-represented in government. (X)
• Women are unlikely to receive equal pay til 2067.
• Page 3 in 'The Sun' still exists... (Guardian article.)
• 1 in 7 women are made redunant after maternity leave. (Guardian article)
• Women and girls still suffer from sexual violence, domestic violence, stalking, trafficking, and harmful practices including FGM (female genital mutilation) and honour-based violence in the UK. (X)

Thanks for reading! :)