I have written this blog with thoughts on why Equity is failing to happen. We are constantly pitted against each other. There are systems in play that keep us divided. These are so historically entrenched it will take a conscious effort from the people they don’t work for to come together for change.
It seems every time I or another woman speak up for women’s rights or talk about violence against women, women being sexualised, assaulted or raped, we are attacked for being anti-men or accusing every man of being a rapist. Getting told we don’t care about men. This is not true. Women’s rights could benefit everyone.
Patriarchy
Definition of Patriarchy – https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/patriarchy
1: social organization marked by the supremacy of the father in the clan or family, the legal dependence of wives and children, and the reckoning of descent and inheritance in the male line broadly: control by men of a disproportionately large share of power
2: a society or institution organized according to the principles or practices of patriarchy
When I talk about the power imbalance, women are not being believed and those in power are afforded a leniency most of us don’t. Yes, I want to see patriarchy end and a more equitable system that is fair for all. I would love to see the end of the system of patriarchy.
Misogyny
Definition of Misogyny – https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/misogyny
Feelings of hating women, or the belief that men are much better than women
I hate misogyny and everything it stands for. I do not agree with or condone the thought that men are intrinsically better than women. This notion that I am less than because of my gender is frankly ridiculous. I believe all men and women have the right to equal opportunities and expectations of safety.
Feminism
Definition of Feminism – https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/feminism
Feminism is the belief and aim that women should have the same rights, power, and opportunities as men.
I am a feminist because I want everyone to have equity and freedom of choice. No human should be held back, unsafe or paid less because of their background, age, disability, race, nationality, religion, political affiliations, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or intersex status, relationship status, or family or carer responsibilities. Understanding the difficulties others face means listening without being defensive. Just because someone wants equity does not mean they are attacking or undermining you.
We must start recognising that feminism is here to stay and can benefit all. It challenges the systems we have in place that only work for the few. And that can only be a good thing.
Privilege
Definition of Privilege – https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/privilege
An advantage that only one person or group of people has, usually because of their position or because they are rich
The special right that some people in authority have that allows them to do or say things that other people are not allowed to.
When I talk about Male Privilege, I am certainly not suggesting all men have the luxury of Male Privilege, because they are not in positions of wealth and/or power. There are so many that are left out of this privilege, ethnic background, religion, lack of wealth, age, disability, LGTBIQ+ are some of the reasons men are excluded. If, you have never experienced being left out of this privilege. Maybe, just maybe it is because you are one of those who benefit from male privilege.
By listening and understanding how it feels to be outside of male privilege, you can be an ally so we can all live a privileged life.
I recognise that as a white English woman, I have privilege. This does not mean I haven’t suffered from the impact of misogyny and patriarchy, but the colour of my skin or where I am from. Recognising this privilege means I understand and be part of the solution and not part of the problem.
