Introduction
Feminism is the advocacy of gender equality, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of
gender, have equal rights and opportunities. However, misconceptions about feminism have
led to misunderstandings, often distorting its real purpose. In this blog, I will debunk some
common myths and discuss the need for gender equality in today's society.
Some misconceptions about feminism
Misconception 1: Feminism is only about women’s rights.
Truth: Feminism is not only about women’s rights; it is about fighting patriarchy. Patriarchy
does not only oppress women but also imposes rigid gender roles on men. For example,
men are often expected to suppress emotions, avoid caregiving roles, and bear the burden
of financial responsibility alone. Feminism advocates for a society where men and women
share responsibilities freely, allowing both genders to express themselves fully.
Misconception 2: There is no need for feminism in today's world.
Truth: There are still women who are deprived of even basic necessities like education and
freedom of movement. While urban areas have seen progress, rural regions still struggle
with gender-based discrimination. According to a 2023 UN report, over 40% of women in
rural India lack access to education. In Afghanistan, women have been banned from
universities and workplaces since 2021. These realities prove that feminism is still
necessary.
The Rural Mindset Toward Feminism
Now that we have debunked common misconceptions, let’s discuss the real issues that
feminism still needs to address.
Many people in rural and semi-urban areas of India believe that simply supporting women's
education means they support feminism. However, feminism is more than that—it is about
challenging deep-rooted cultural norms that restrict women's choices. For example, while
many families educate their daughters, they still pressure them into early marriages and
deny them property rights.
Feminism is not only about giving women access to education; it is a mindset. We must
critically analyze our own beliefs and recognize how deeply ingrained patriarchy is in our
culture and thinking.
For example:
● People support women's education but force them—psychologically, physically, and
verbally—to marry after completing their education.
● Women generally do not have the freedom to choose whether to marry or whom to
marry.
● Women are often denied their rightful share of parental property.
These are just a few examples; there are many more instances of gender-based
discrimination that need to be addressed.
Unethical Use of Feminist Laws in India
While feminist laws aim to protect women, there have been cases where these laws have
been misused. False accusations of dowry harassment or rape can destroy lives. One widely
discussed case is that of Atul Subhash, who reportedly committed suicide after his wife filed
false cases against him and his family and demanded an unaffordable amount of divorce
alimony. (The exact details of the alimony amount sought by his wife are not publicly
available due to the ongoing legal case and the sensitive nature of the situation.)
However, it is important to recognize that false cases constitute only a small percentage of
total gender-based crimes. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), in
2022, only 2% of reported rape cases were found to be false. Instead of repealing these
laws, we should focus on implementing stricter verification processes to prevent misuse
while ensuring justice for genuine victims.
How to End Gender Discrimination?
To end gender discrimination, we must eliminate gender-based work divisions. Imagine a
world where both men and women share leadership, responsibilities, and opportunities
equally. A society where a woman leading a company is as normal as a man taking care of
household duties.
This vision can be achieved through education, awareness, and policy changes. Each of us
has a role to play—starting within our own families by ensuring equal opportunities for our
sisters, wives, and daughters.
We can bring about a revolution by working at the grassroots level, initiating change within
ourselves, and encouraging others to do the same. Change takes time, but in the end, it is
always worth it.
Debunking myths about feminsim