How You Can Get Involved In Feminism

This was written by: Greta.

1.) Educate yourself. Do some research on feminism and learn more about what feminism is REALLY all about. Read books such as Betty Friedan’s “The Feminine Mystique”. This is one of the most important books in feminist culture, since it started the “second-wave” of feminism. Research people such as: Betty Friedan, Kathleen Hanna, Gloria Steinem, etc. Use an internet search engine, such as Google, to look up feminist history, the 3 waves of feminism, and the many different types of feminism on the internet. Type in “Feminism” in an internet search engine, such as Google. Research countries such as: Afghanistan, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, etc. where women are still oppressed and don’t have rights. Also, Read Magazines, like ‘Ms.’ and ‘Bust’ for more information on feminism. Visit feminist websites such as feminist.com and feminist.org

2.) Believe in equality of both sexes. Let others know you want equality. Support equal rights.

3.) Understand that feminists do NOT hate men. Feminists want equality and want to be equal to men. Feminists are not “feminazis”. Get your facts straight before you jump to conclusions about what feminism is and what feminism is really about. Know what feminism REALLY is all about. Do not assume you know what is fact and what is fiction. Do your research.

4.) Develop your own opinions and be yourself. This includes developing your own opinions about feminism. Having an independent and a strong personality is important. Never, ever change yourself, especially not for a man. You don’t need a man to feel complete in your life. Women need to be valued for their brains and not their bodies. Be an example to other women. Don’t call other women names like, “bitch”, “cunt”, “dyke”, “whore”, etc. Don’t call women fat or too skinny. Love all women. This means do not gossip about other women. Do not hate on other women.

5.) Get to know other feminists. You can find other feminists through the internet and/or in real life. Some social media websites such as Facebook and Twitter, are great places to meet other feminists.

6.) Try DIY, such as: making crafts, shirts, stickers, zines, etc. that support feminism.

7.) Consume media made by women. Some examples include: books, movies, music, etc.

8.) Stay informed. Try watching the international news about women’s rights instead of the local or national news. This world is not that small. Go to BBC’s website and find out stuff on women’s rights in Asia, Europe, Africa and South America.

9.) Speak Out about important issues in the world. Get your friends involved, too. Be an advocate for everyone’s rights. People are still suffering from: racism, sexism, homophobia, classism, ableism, ageism, etc. Be an advocate for their rights too. Add your voice to those already campaigning to end issues such as: poverty, war, injustice, sexism, racism, rape, or corruption in the world. Another idea is to have small meetings in your community about global issues.

10.) Remember, it’s YOUR body and YOUR choice. Don’t let the goverment or others tell you whether can have an abortion, put a child up for adoption, or raise a child. Support being pro-choice.

11.) Take action. Participate in organizations. Spread the word. You can join online communities, make your own website, make a blog post, tweet, and share your opinions with other feminists. You can even start a band and write your own songs about feminist topics, such as: family abuse, rape, abortion, eating disorders, etc.

12.) Love yourself. Be yourself. Be an individual. Love your flaws. Love your body. This is what makes each of us unique. Don’t think negatively about your body like, “I wish I had those legs” or “I wish my boobs were bigger”.