Regardless of how that headline makes you feel, I am a feminist. I am a proud feminist at that, one who believes in equality between genders in all regards. It comes with the package of being a human rights advocate but also just a conscious mind. I was reflecting on someone that I know, a male who is clearly not a feminist, and how he would react to my wearing a t-shirt that solely reads the word “FEMINIST” in capitals and bold lettering. Personally, I think the shirt would get to him, but like I said when I started this post, I am unapologetic about my beliefs in equal rights for women. And so, for lack of a better way to put it, I wouldn’t give a fuck.

In this interview from TED, Gloria Steinem speaks on feminism with the clarity only the wisdom a true activist can provide.

The importance of these words for human development & positive change should not be overlooked.#WomensRights #ChildrensRights

In response to a question on the difference it will make when women are in leadership positions globally, @GloriaSteinem had these straight gems to say: pic.twitter.com/AhSeSeCaJE

— Arielle London M.A. (@ariellelondonMA) December 23, 2020

I am a feminist and I don’t care how that makes you feel. With a shadow pandemic taking place of domestic violence, and disproportionate numbers of victims being women, this is no time to be passive about women’s rights. Watch Kemi DaSilva-Ibru’s TED talk to see what I mean.

These brilliant women remind us that we cannot be passive about our rights. We must be active about protecting women and enforcing the standards of behaviour we so rightfully deserve.