You hear so much about feminism — but why does it really matter and why do we need it?
We asked 7 college women why feminism matters to them, and why society still needs it.
“We’ve made progress. Everyone can acknowledge that, but is it enough? The answer is no. Progress shouldn’t indicate the waning or ‘calming down’ of feminism, equality should, and there is no denying that we still have endless miles to go. Feminism is a necessity for this path to justice. We need to remember that there exists a world outside of the United States. We need to examine the fight for women’s rights from a global perspective. In Miryang, South Korea in 2004 several middle school girls were raped over and over again by 41 high school boys. They were later shamed because they, ‘embarrassed his hometown.’ Female genital mutilation is still ongoing. So is bride kidnapping. Until we radically transform the society’s ideological view of women as objects, as weak and as lacking, we need feminism more than ever.”
-Grace, New York University Class of 2019
“We need feminism because the children of our world are being raised into forms decided for them. We need feminism because the societal gender roles established define them before they even know how to use their thoughts and voices.”
-Daphne, Gettysburg College Class of 2019
RELATED: What it Means to Be a Feminist in College
“Feminism brings to light inequality on a daily basis. Many guys say that the 73 cents to every dollar is because men do jobs that pay more but those statistics are based off of women and men in the same field. I shouldn’t have to work harder than a man in order to make the same amount of money. If that is the case why don’t I get to go to college for 73 cents for every guy’s dollar? Feminism is important because it is a platform for women to speak up and say that we are not ok with being second.”
-Marissa, University of Utah Class of 2018
“I think we need feminism because all humans deserve equal opportunity, plain and simple. We may not all come to desire the exact same things, or all be on the same moral plane and thus not earn the same opportunities, but we all fundamentally deserve the same opportunity as all other humans. Feminism is rooted in women’s movements, but it has grown to be a hugely intersectional effort that cannot be interpreted or captured in one unified way, and is up to each individual to embody and act upon. Whether or not you call it feminism, the world needs it.”
-Katie, University of British Columbia Class of 2016
“We need feminism because it’s 2016 and presidential frontrunners are demeaning to women. A certain candidate boasted that ‘women left the kitchen’ to go vote for him. Another has even gone so far as, to quote a tweet on Twitter, saying, “If Hillary can’t satisfy her husband, what makes you think she can satisfy America?” Even if politics isn’t your cup of tea, we need feminism because the pay gap between men and women for doing the exact same work is still evidently clear. Furthermore, Women feel less inclined to report their rapes because only 2% of reported rapist serve jail time. Women who do step forward and report a rape are microscopically picked apart to see how ‘perfect’ of a victim they are. Additionally, men who are clueless about the needs of women in regards to health are regulating the laws on healthcare. They remain devoted to defunding Planned Parenthood, despite the array of beneficial and needed services they provide. While abortions only account for 3% of their services, these men would rather eliminate the service in total, because they know what’s best for a woman, right?”
-Kayla, Kennesaw State University Class of 2018
RELATED: 39 Reasons Why We Should ALL Be Feminists
“Male friend: ‘What is a Women’s Studies class anyway? What is there to study? Do you learn the qualifications of a secretary position?’ (This is why the world needs feminism.)”
-Kaitlin, Chatham University Class of 2017
“1. Women are still cat called and groped without consent in public places, and many people still think it’s a ‘compliment.’
2. Chris Brown can beat women and continue making music about having sex with countless women, while Kesha, who expresses her sexuality freely and is called a whore for doing so, is sexually abused and accused of lying.
3. Terms like ‘pussy’ and ‘bitch’ are highly insulting terms used to put down other men for not being ‘manly’ enough, but they are terms commonly used to describe women.
4. Motherly duties like caring for children and housework is expected of women but not valued or praised as ‘real work.’
5. Many men still see issues like rape culture and violence against women as ‘women’s issues’ that have nothing to do with them.
6. Despite more accomplishments, the UConn women’s sports teams still have far less support than the men’s teams because of beliefs that women are inherently inferior to men.
7. Most portrayals of women in the media and entertainment are sexualized, or roles meant to be the love interest of a male hero.
8. Women in leadership positions are called bossy and bitchy for showing traits that are praised in men, like determination, stubbornness, and independence.
9. Rape culture telling women they must cover up and stay at home, or else risk being sexually assaulted by men who can’t control their sexual urges.”
-Cat, University of Connecticut Class of 2017