Many people have preconceived notions about what being a feminist truly means, and before attending an all-girls high school, I possessed a very inaccurate idea of what the now dubbed “F-Word” actually is.
The term “feminism” has been making headlines lately, and everyone has their own opinion on the meaning of the word. The simple definition of feminism, according to Merriam-Webster, is “the theory of political, economic, and social equality of the sexes.”
Equality – feminists want equality for both men and women, and rather than excluding men, feminists want to include everyone. Feminism is not the act of women trying to achieve superiority over men or any other gender.
However, there are so many people, particularly women, who are ashamed to define themselves as feminists because of such misconstrued definitions.
Many women feel that they have to surrender their femininity in order to be a feminist, but this is completely inaccurate. I am a self-proclaimed feminist because I strive to achieve equality for everyone, and I still (and always will) enjoy doing activities like shopping at Sephora and going to the DryBar before events.
In fact, before I go to school in the morning, I always wear some sort of accessory, whether it be a statement necklace, hair scarf, or stack of vibrant bracelets to add a pop of color to my uniform. Being a feminist does not mean giving up your femininity at all – in fact, embrace it!
I wish the world could invent a new word that is neither feminine nor masculine that means wanting to achieve equality for everyone. My personal addition to the definition of feminism is feeling confident, proud, and possessing the ability to speak with certainty.
I designed a shirt named “The Emma,” which is named after Emma Watson, a feminist icon, who always stands up for what she believes in, to echo her message of being comfortable with who you are and what you stand for. The slogan “Say it like you mean it” is printed on the front of the shirt, while #GIRLPOWER is on the back in smaller letters.
I donate a percentage of the profits from “The Emma” to Girl Up, an incredible organization that promotes education for women all over the world but particularly in areas where it is most challenging to be a girl.
Be confident and say your words with conviction — say it like you mean it! Growing up in a three-generation household of inspiring women, it was hard for me not to become a feminist.
The key is starting young. Whether you are 5 or 35, believe in yourself. Take yourself seriously (but not too seriously of course!) Be kind, good, and true. Be a feminist, and be proud of it! Shop the tee HERE.
