4 Key Issues Challenging Feminism In the 21st Century

In the 21st century, few topics have caused as much heated debate as feminism. Despite the overwhelming support of the majority, there are still those who choose to remain neutral on this critical issue. While the word “feminism” may be foreign to some, the underlying concept of equal rights and opportunities for both sexes is already familiar to many.

At its core, feminism is an ideology that advocates for the political, economic, and social equality of all genders. This means that males and females should have the same rights, protections, and opportunities in all aspects of life. Yet, despite its straightforward definition, feminism has been the subject of significant debate and widespread misunderstanding throughout its history.

One common misconception is that feminism seeks to make men and women identical. However, this is far from the truth. While it’s true that men and women may have different physical attributes, this has nothing to do with their inherent worth or capabilities. The fundamental aim of feminism is to ensure that both sexes are treated equally in terms of opportunities, rights, and responsibilities. This means that men and women should be accorded the same level of respect, given equal pay for equal work, and have access to the same opportunities for education and career advancement.

Despite the tireless efforts of feminist groups and campaigners over the years, there are still significant challenges that prevent the full realization of equal rights for men and women. From workplace discrimination to gender-based violence, the struggle for gender equality is ongoing. But with each passing year, more and more people are joining the fight for a more equitable world. And as the feminist movement continues to gain momentum, it’s clear that the struggle for gender equality is far from over. Here are four issues constantly challenging Feminism in the 21st century;

1. The Media

The media holds a crucial position in shaping public opinion, and it’s no surprise that it can either aid or hinder progress towards gender equality. In fact, the media’s proximity to the everyday person makes it a powerful tool in the fight for women’s rights. However, in recent years, the media has also been responsible for perpetuating misconceptions and stereotypes, especially about women.

One particular culprit is commercial brands that produce television ads that encourage dark-skinned women to lighten their complexion or magazines that glorify thinness as the ideal standard of beauty. Furthermore, female politicians are often subjected to closer scrutiny and harsher criticism than their male counterparts, revealing a gender bias that is deeply ingrained in the media.

Thankfully, some organizations have emerged to address this problem, seeking to engage media organizations in roundtable discussions aimed at tackling the issue at its core. These organizations aim to promote a more responsible media that can help to ensure that the rights of women are respected, and harmful stereotypes are eliminated. By recognizing the power of their platform, the media can play a pivotal role in shaping a more equitable and just society.

2. Social Inequality

Women face significant obstacles due to various socioeconomic factors that create a disadvantage for them compared to men. These challenges often stem from issues related to ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and other aspects of identity that impact the way society treats them.

In particular, transgender women often face severe discrimination, with little regard for their feelings or the reasons behind their decision to transition. Similarly, lesbian women are more marginalized in society compared to their gay male counterparts, further compounding the difficulties they face.

These challenges have real-world consequences, as evidenced by research showing that black women seeking asylum in the UK have a higher mortality rate than their white female peers. This underscores the urgent need for action to address the systemic biases and inequalities that continue to hold women back.

Ultimately, feminism seeks to ensure that discrimination in all its forms is eradicated, and that both men and women are treated fairly and equitably. By advocating for gender equality and empowering women to fully participate in society, feminism seeks to create a world where everyone can thrive regardless of their gender or background.

3. Equal division of housework

Addressing gender inequality is a fundamental issue that starts in the home. The popular saying, “Charity begins at home,” rings true here. Without addressing this issue at its core, feminism will continue to be viewed as a controversial and divisive concept.

The pioneering women who kickstarted the feminist movement succeeded in awakening women to their talents and potential, encouraging them to reject the limited role of the traditional “housewife.” As a result, many women entered the workforce, but the burden of household chores has not been evenly shared.

Some still hold onto the belief that sharing housework with a spouse can lead to divorce or even early death for men, but feminists are working to dispel these myths. Women are not inherently suited to domestic duties, nor should being a “housewife” be a respected profession — it should be a personal choice.

Various solutions have been proposed to encourage men and women to share household duties and responsibilities equally. These include paternity leave, childcare subsidies, and equal pay for men and women. By promoting the equal division of labor at home, we can begin to challenge the systemic gender biases that hold women back and foster a more equitable society for all.

4. Domestic violence against women

Domestic violence remains a pervasive issue in modern-day marriages, and despite efforts to reduce violence against women in society, progress has been limited. Many women are afraid to speak up or are perceived as submissive to their partners, making it difficult to address the issue within families. Unfortunately, some individuals still do not view rape within marriage as a prosecutable offense, highlighting the ongoing fight for gender equality.

It is important to emphasize that neither partner has the right to force themselves upon the other, regardless of marital status. Although men can also be victims of domestic violence, statistics suggest that the ratio of female-to-male victims is around 10:1. It is alarming that physical abuse towards women in their homes is so common, especially considering that the reasons behind such violence are often trivial. These problems demonstrate that there is still a long way to go in the fight for gender equality.

The fight for equality continues

Achieving gender equality is a collective effort that requires the active participation of all individuals, not just women. We must not wait for personal experiences or tragedies to occur before taking action towards this important cause. The fight for women’s rights is a legitimate and pressing issue, and we must continue to make every effort to further the feminist cause. By working together towards this common goal, we can create a more just and equitable society for all.

Originally posted by me on Medium.