Male Participation in the Feminist Movement! By Jade

In the world today men make up a little less than half of the population.  They participate in every aspect of society.  They are life partners, supporters, teachers, and competitors of women.  They also hold a different perspective on society, inherently gained from growing up in the world as a man. 

When my interest in Women’s Rights started to grow while I was attending my first Women’s Studies class in college, I found it odd at first that men were in favor of feminism.  It seemed they were contradicting their own existence.  I believe now it was my lack of knowledge and understanding of feminism, to say the least I was a naive sophomore in college.

It did not take me long, with the help of my teacher, and fellow students (especially the male ones) that the suppression of women is everybody’s problem not just a woman’s.   The men we learned about in class and the men in my class understood there was a gap between how men and women are treated in society and were willing to participate in a movement that aims to close this gap. It only makes sense that the support of the other half of society could only strengthen the feminist movement. 

I think the first step in men participating in the new wave of feminism is to acknowledge women.  It seems simple, but we are different from men we typically have different emotions that we show stronger than men; we also have different strengths and weakness’ than men.  These differences do not make us the weaker sex.  If men acknowledge that we are different but equal this is an excellent step in the feminist movement. 

    I also think supporting women in her ideals, ideas, and opinions are other excellent ways to participate.  Women can be restricted from attaining her goals if the men in her life do not support her dreams and aspirations.  If a woman wanted to attend college but, grew up in society where most of her peers did not attend college, the woman is more likely to attend if those around her including men support her in her decision.   It seems that ideas and opinions grow stronger if those closest to you are supporting them. 

Active participation in the feminist movement is excellent as well.  It could mean men providing information on the feminist movement in casual conversation or on a larger scale.  Also companies providing equal pay for equal work can help.  Men can also participate in walks, protest, and join in and support on the congressional level. 

For me I am really excited to be living at time where change seems to be happening at an incredible rate.  The idea of a women president is a reality! This is amazing! As we forge forward in the feminist movement it is important to look back at how far our fore-mothers have come, and how much further we need to go. It is also an excellent feeling to know that there are men willing to join this moment with us.