Is Feminism Still Necessary?

How it Began & How it's going

Feminism emerged in the 1800s, when the line of inequality was much clearer. But now? Women are allowed to vote. We're allowed to work. We can go to school, get a divorce, have our own bank accounts. So do we still need feminism?

Agreed, many of the major issues that women faced have been resolved. But that doesn't mean other issues don't exist, that others don't arise. Women may be allowed to work, but in many positions they aren't paid as much as men are for the same amount of work. Countries permit women to vote, but women won't get voted into a position of power. In some villages, women who get divorced are considered taboo. And even if it isn't everyone, people still exist with a sexist mindset.

Real World Issues

In fact, recently, a man asked for a few days off from work to travel back home and deal with some family problems. When asked what problems, he told his boss that his wife wanted to continue her higher education — he wanted to stop her. When he was asked why, he said that he had no reason.

The reason though, is rooted in sexism. Firstly, that she should stay home, cook, clean and care for their children. Secondly, financial independence — without higher education, she cannot get a good job, without a good job she is financially dependent. This creates a power imbalance in the relationship in which the husband comes out on top.

In the end, this man ended up divorcing his wife, but in their village, divorce made her a social taboo. This makes it harder for her to complete her higher education, and even find another husband should she choose to do so.

This may just be one story, but it is not the only one — it's just one of many. There are several issues just like this happening across the world today, and there still will be tomorrow.

So, is it necessary?

So yes, feminism is still necessary, just in a different way. We may have changed many laws, but that isn't all we need to do. We may have many of the same rights, but that isn't the end. Because smaller issues still exist, issues where changing the laws, the governments and more won't fix it. Feminism is going to be necessary until everyone, every single person on this planet, sees and treats women and men as equals.

We can be proud of our progress, of course — but feminism can't stop until we reach true equality.