Feminism : My Journey So Far
I came into blogging quite accidentally. Before that, I barely ever used the word, “Feminism”. One could say that I had a very narrow viewpoint. For me, feminism was comprised by women who practically wore it on their sleeves - those who were out there fighting for women rights and equality. I had never bothered or even cared to look deep into it because I never felt the need for it.
But I began to see things differently once I started blogging, and even more when I started taking it seriously. Starting from causal posts, I gradually moved on to more important topics. Reading the blogs of other women inspired me to research and write on social stigmas such as, child marriages, domestic violence, live-in relationships, the plight of Afghani women, homosexuality in India, etc.
Blogging compelled me to think about issues and incidents that never had an effect on my personal life, but meant a great deal to my country and its people. Being a woman, writing and discussing the status of women in the Indian society came naturally. And somewhere along the journey, I was tagged as a feminist writer. Honestly, I have no complaints or regrets over this. Feminism has given me a separate identity, something that many take ages to create.
The interpretation of feminism differs from woman to woman, society to society and country to country. In my opinion, feminism is something very personal, some are comfortable in expressing it, whereas some are happy with just containing it within themselves. It is all about making the best possible use of the rights and choices available. It is about striving to achieve the impossible; it’s about using resources to create some breathable space in our society. And it’s everything to do with freedom.
I am not the sort to accept everything that is thrown at me in the name of feminism. I am aware of incidents of women and support groups, who exploit the rights and benefits given to them by society & the government and go about preaching anti-men sentiments. But one needs to understand that these women in no-way represent feminism or feminist values and they more aptly fall under the category of - “sexist”. It is simply the case of separating the bad apples from the good ones.
Blogging not only enhanced and nurtured my views on feminism but it also made me use these very views in a constructive form and put them in action. For example, creating awareness of the workers’ plight in India through my post on Akbarally’s Workers Dispute. If the same post was written by a male blogger then he would have been called an activist, but here I am being identified as a feminist. Doesn’t this fall on the lines of double standards adopted by certain members of our freethinking society?
Feminists come in all different shapes, colors and sizes and genders! I know men who support and fight for women’s causes. To me they are feminists too. Feminism for me boils down to just two basic necessities; being a good human being and the right to use my freedom as and when I choose. A good humanist is also a good feminist. The two terms can be interchangeable to a great degree.
And therefore I can proudly claim that I am a Feminist.
* This write-up was written especially for DesiPundit’s 1st Anniversary, needless to say, not many were happy with my views.
We all have a right to express our views. In many instances; it will be against ours and in some; with us. To hear them out is 'decency' but to let them get to you is 'weakness'. 
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15 comments | Leave your comment
Apr 11th, 2007 at 10:00 am | #
just two basic necessities; being a good human being and the right to use my freedom as and when I choose
I’m so happy that blogging has helped u write this. Hoping to grow up like that with blogging.
More power to you.
Apr 11th, 2007 at 12:20 pm | #
Sakx : You Totally Rock!!
Apr 11th, 2007 at 3:30 pm | #
I once asked my mother, who is probably the smartest person I know, whether she considered herself a feminist. She said she considered herself a humanist. Your words reminded me of that, how rights for women are part of rights for PEOPLE - and we’re all people! That said, I definitely consider myself a feminist, but that it’s equally important to figure out what that means in each situation, getting know the context, etc. But I agree completely, it boils down to freedoms for us all, which includes the freedom not to be hated, discriminated against, oppressed, as well as the freedoms to make choices.
Great post - right on!
Apr 11th, 2007 at 9:07 pm | #
The point of it all is, though, was it worth it?
I think u are a hardcore feminist, whom I like disagreeing on various issues.
I also think most feminists can’t think straight either. There is always something they will pick on.
And yes, most feminists whom I point out that they are feminists, immediately label me MCP :).
S
Apr 12th, 2007 at 5:21 am | #
Beth : I agree with you (ur mum) totally.
Suyog : Ofcourse it’s worth it. If I am given the opportunity to cover more issues like the Akbarally’s incident, it would be make blogging for me even more worthwhile. I don’t exactly know what you mean by “hardcore” feminist…but yes, I am a feminist and I take up anything that effects or excites me in any possible way.
Rajan and Sammy : Thanks.
Apr 12th, 2007 at 8:45 am | #
Nice post. I don’t know if you were aware, but we were actually compiling posts on feminism rooted in India. I’ve added yours to the list. (Sent to me by Amrita)
Apr 12th, 2007 at 2:20 pm | #
Great to hear you loud and strong! Thanks for dropping by my blog and yes, feminism is what this world needs so desperately. That is, women taking ownership of their lives and building up honest, equal and co-operative relationships with men. True humanism must be feminism, just like it must take a stand against oppression of any kind. Hope to take feminism into intimate relationships via my PhD project on sexual health and relationships sex-and-relationships.com Feminism needs to start in our own very personal lives by requiring ourselves and the men our lives to be better people. Anyway, that’s my view on this…. Thanks for inspiring women worldwide! gudrun
Apr 14th, 2007 at 1:32 am | #
“To me they are feminists too”
To you? Hmm.. you know I always believed that the word “feminist” applies to men too. I always called myself a feminist. Are you saying it is generally not true?
Apr 14th, 2007 at 5:06 am | #
Twisted DNA : If you think so…than I must say that you are “rare” breed.
The men I have come across, make the word “feminist” sound an equivalent to the word “bhootni”.
Nov 19th, 2007 at 3:15 pm | #
hi..why to discriminate urself calling ‘feminist” it shows a pyschological obstruction in an individual. hi sakshi life is more meaningful then the topics u cover!!well its nice to see you so energetic and enthusiastic…i am a writer-director, would like to share on some common platflorm..
Nov 19th, 2007 at 3:17 pm | #
men are like children..and m sure u know it very well as a lady!! i sugest dnt go for wht thy say, instead undrstnd wht thy mean..
Dec 7th, 2007 at 3:26 pm | #
“The men I have come across, make the word “feminist” sound an equivalent to the word “bhootni”.”
sakshi ji…..I very much beg to disagree……IMHO, no educated men would ever regard a feminist as “bhootni”…..
Infact…..it’s a matter of what have you been indoctrinated in school and family…..I think we are now more into a new India…..right? I really don’t see concrete reasons to the proliferation of feminism…..women are doing quite well in country….
Not offending anyone in particular……but I have seen men waiting in long queues to let women finish first…….I have seen in gatherings, men waiting to let women and children finish meals first……I have seen men awaiting women to evacuate first an endangered area……..that said…..do we really need feminism anymore? why cannot it just be humanism?
your thoughts!
Apr 6th, 2008 at 3:34 pm | #
and then you highlight ekta kapoor’s breasts!
Aug 10th, 2008 at 4:52 pm | #
A good humanist is also a good feminist.
this is true. nice post.
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