By: Anuradha
The world celebrated the International Women’s Day on 8th of March and many people came forward to speak about women. But, what does it actually mean to become a woman in a world where male hierarchy is still dominating many spheres? You might be a career woman, a woman at home or anyone. In your own ways and means have you feel that your womanhood has become a hindrance in your forward march? Does being a woman prevent you from doing certain things? Or does it obscure your true potentials?
No matter how developed and modern we are, still there are many things happening against women’s freedom. A few centuries ago, the situation was even worse and women today are experiencing freedom up to a certain level thanks to many pains underwent by a feminist. You can be a feminist, anti-feminist or anyone. But you would acknowledge that all these things are true.
For women’s day, many people are doing several things and Lithuanian police officers are probably giving tulips for female drivers again. But, this time an online feminist community called the school of feminism has adopted another way to celebrate the occasion by engaging in a poster campaign.
They say that “Thanks to feminists, women can vote, work, abort [their pregnancies], divorce [spouses], wear pants, read any book [they like], use birth control, take out a loan… There are still many rights to fight to achieve real equality between women and men around the world, Let’s keep up the fight.”
UN Women also said that “At a time when innovation is dominant, shaping and changing the way people live in every part of the world, we have to be intentional about its use to positively impact the lives of women and girls. That means making sure they are not only consumers of innovation, but take their place as innovators. With their engagement, both design and execution of solutions can address the unique needs of women and girls, from the creation of decent work to delivery of products, services, and infrastructure for women in all walks of life.
This year’s theme for International Women’s Day, “Think Equal, Build Smart, Innovate for Change” puts innovation at the center of efforts to reflect the needs and viewpoints of women and girls and to resolve barriers to public services and opportunities.”
“Remoteness need no longer be an exclusion issue when mobile money technology and digital payments can deliver social benefits to even the most remote households. Lack of roads need not prevent the life-saving medication from reaching patients, with smart inventions like 15-year old Nigerian Eno Ekanem’s drone to make drops to rural areas, controlled by SMS messaging.”
Image credit & more info: School of Feminism
So, scroll down to see what you should thank a feminist for.
#1. Thank a feminist if you are a woman and you can vote.
#2. Thank a feminist if you are a woman and you can go to college.
#3. Thank a feminist if you are a woman and you can wear pants.
#4. Thank a feminist if you are a woman and you can have a job.
#5. Thank a feminist if you are a woman and you can keep the money you earn.
#6. Thank a feminist if you are a woman and you can own property.
#7. Thank a feminist if you are a woman and you can use birth control.
#8. Thank a feminist if you are a woman and you can read the books you want.
#9. Thank a feminist if you are a woman and you can get a divorce if you choose.
#10. Thank a feminist if you are a woman and you won’t lose your job if you become pregnant.
#11. Thank a feminist if you are a woman and you can marry who you want.
#12. Thank a feminist if you are a woman and you can testify in your own defense.
#13. Thank a feminist if you are a woman and you can run for office.
#14. Thank a feminist if you are a woman and you can persecute sexual assault no matter what.
#15. Thank a feminist if you are a woman and you can practice a professional sport.
#16. Thank a feminist if you are a woman and you can get a loan.
#17. Thank a feminist if you are a woman and you can talk openly about menstruation.
#18. Thank a feminist if you are a woman and you can get an abortion.
#19. Thank a feminist if you are a woman and you can serve in the military.
#20. Thank a feminist if you are a woman and you can breastfeed your baby in a public place.
#21. Thank a feminist if you are a woman and you can choose to show your body or not.
