Feminism: Is it reversing gender equality gains?

Stephanie Kimou is a renowned feminist who has graced several talk shows all over the world. She is a policy analyst in International Programs with a background in reproductive health and gender. An article written by Kimou made rounds on social media a couple of weeks back. In the article, she asked African men whether they would be intrigued or intimidated, curious or concerned, if a woman walked up to them wearing a t-shirt with the words ‘African Feminist.’ The article focused on how Africans haven’t yet embraced feminism, adding that few even understand what it really is. Kimou defined feminism as a woman who takes gender seriously and addresses discrepancies between the sexes throughout her everyday life; a woman who will not conform or adjust her beliefs for the sake of a man’s or society’s comfort. For some, this is a statement they understand and indeed support it, however, others argue that feminism is no longer a fight for gender equality but rather, more of an armament women use to achieve female superiority. Issues such as violence against women and wage gaps among others still need to be addressed, however, are women taking it to the extreme under the umbrella of feminism? According to copywriter Kamikazi (not real name), some women think feminism is all about ‘wearing the pants.’ “I am all for women’s rights of course, but I think some do not truly understand the concept and imagine that emancipation is women sitting in the couch with their feet up sipping on tea and reading the paper, while their men mop the house. I mean come on,” she says. Kamikazi empasises that when it comes to fighting for equal rights, women need to understand that it is not about who wears the pants, but rather, how to ‘share the pants’! “Some women even scream ‘equal rights’ but are quick to run to their men when they need money for certain things, even when they have a job and can clearly cover some of the expenses themselves. It’s insane,” Kamikazi adds. Ivan Mugisha, a journalist says that he is a supporter of women empowerment because it is a human right. To him, feminism largely addresses the challenges women face in contemporary society. He says, “The only problem I see with feminism is the same problem, I see with any normal agenda that has a more vocal extremist side. “Extreme feminists push for complete women independence, and push for things like deliberate single motherhood, love and relationships without a man, among others. They forget that humans need each other, men and women complement each other and can’t live without each other.” Mugisha adds that true feminism is the one that fights for the rights of women but not that which tries to separate them from men. Moreen Sanyu, an office administrator, isn’t against feminism; however, she is of the view that if women are going to talk the talk, they should first also walk the talk. Sanyu gets confused with women who demand respect yet they have the guts to dance in a video and display their nudity or walk on the streets half naked in skimpy skirts and dresses. How can you be respected when you choose to do that? She wonders. “I understand it’s the 21st Century but believe me, for one to gain respect, they have to give it to themselves first and without holding themselves to the same standards they need, feminism will never achieve its required goal,” Sanyu says. For Yvonne Nirere, feminism is needed in full force in today’s society because injustices against women still prevail. She says that some matters that women complain about may appear trivial just because of the way someone was brought up or culture condones it, but the fact that something is a belief or tradition, it doesn’t make it right. “For instance, just because in some cultures, women are forced to undergo female genital mutilation doesn’t make it right because it’s against human rights. Such has to change and feminism will help make a difference, that’s why I don’t think women are going to the extreme when they stand up for their rights,” Nirere says. Yves Ujeneza agrees with Nirere, saying that for centuries, women have been mistreated and undermined, and even though there are platforms to help them stand up to oppressors and injustices all over the world, they still face inequality. “How many times have you heard of a man being raped, asked by his boss to sleep with them to get a promotion, beaten by his wife? If it happens, they are very rare cases, yet for women, it is something they endure on a daily basis,” Ujeneza says. He applauds women feminists for standing up for what they believe in and says that the world should embrace feminism as this will benefit men as well. However, Immy Mulekatete, a news anchor at Rwanda Television, doesn’t think that the world needs a feminist movement or the ideology to realise gender equality. Some women have proved that fields like construction are not for men only. (Net photo) She says that we don’t have to ‘demonise’ men or play victim but rather, take responsibility of our actions and decisions. All we need is to empower women to work their way to the top and refuse to stand for mediocrity. Doreen Mutesi, the executive producer at Rise and Shine TV programme, admits that she is a feminist and she feels that women deserve to get the same rights as their male counterparts. “I think that the female gender should have equal opportunities as the male gender in all ways, however, to a certain extent, women tend to take their search for empowerment a little too far. “Some women take feminism to the extreme, they tend to become uncooperative, they have to understand that there are some things men can do better, and the reverse is true. For instance, women can naturally raise children better,” Mutesi says. She adds that some women who abuse feminism are self-centered; they put their desires ahead of everything and misplace their emotions. This could even be one of the factors leading to the big number of single women today because they don’t want to negotiate with men. “Women should pursue equality but they shouldn’t forget their core values as women because they are as competent as men. They should take things at a reasonable pace because women rule the world anyway,” she says. Robert Mugabe weeps for African values that have been overshadowed by this ‘imported western ideology’ called feminism. He says women no longer do what they are supposed to do, because of equality. “Homes are nowadays run by housemaids as both spouses are busy ‘chasing money’. Couples are supposed to be partners but as things seem nowadays, people are more in competition which makes me wonder where the world is headed,” Mugabe says. Jim Muldoon, an advocate for the equal rights and responsibilities for men and women, in his article Superiority in the name of equality, states that… ignoring that the oppressed are healthier, live longer, work less, do less dangerous work, and spend more money than their oppressors; feminists cite the lack of female representation in parliament and senior management as proof of men’s oppression of women. “This is not human rights, but social engineering at its most devious. What gives the game away is the toolkit itself. They are giving advice on human resource management, industrial relations, employee retention, supplier management, business joint venture management, corporate websites, marketing, client contract negotiation, corporate citizenship and the list goes on and on?” he cites. Bosco Murangira, Director of Women Empowerment in Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, says, “In Rwanda, the top leadership embarked on gender equality where boys and girls, men and women have equal opportunities in all aspects. Rwandan women are true and vivid agents of change. “Women in Rwanda are not in isolation. That is why all the empowerment programmes and awareness campaigns through National Women Council and other structures like Umugoroba Wababyeyi where both men and women have to be on board. It is better for women to focus on gender equality instead of feminism.” Everyone deserves equal human rights, both men and women are equal, the Bible says so, human rights support it too. It’s up to everyone to make the right choices, in the right way. editorial@newtimes.co.rw ********************************************** Is feminism doing more harm than good? Mary Ingabire, student Mary Ingabire I can’t say that women are taking feminism too far; it all depends on the approach and the platforms used. It is a great initiative that deserves praise. We all know that nothing good and straight comes with ease; there is always a struggle. Change comes with different repercussions, but for what it’s worth, it’s a priceless movement, and we should all embrace it. Patricia Uwase, student Patricia Uwase Some women use the wrong approach even when presenting great ideas. However, that doesn’t take a way the fact that feminism is a moral and resourcefulness movement that every person who cares about equal human rights should prioritise. There is a lot that has been done since its inception, for instance, presently in many workplaces women now get managerial positions and earn as much as or even higher than their male counterparts, among other considerations, which shows the level of equality. Vestine Maria, businesswoman Vestine Maria Women are people and they should be allowed to have the same opportunities as men. Putting other factors aside, I think we should look closely at the achievements, and what the movement has earned women in the community. However, women should understand that feminism isn’t about satisfying their egos. Both women and men should be valued and treated equally. Anything extreme or anything with double standards is against the genuine principles of feminism. Mary Murerwa, communication officer Mary Murerwa I believe in equal opportunities for all gender and races, and there is no doubt that feminism is an effective initiative in regards to achieving total equality for both men and women in different aspects of life. Through feminism, women have gained a voice in community and their ideas are marking a positive impact in the here and beyond. The movement has given women an opportunity to contribute to the development of their country, unlike before. Hooray to feminism. Compiled by Dennis Agaba

Lifestyle

Feminism: Is it reversing gender equality gains?