I think it is about time for everyone to truly understand the concept of feminism. Personally, it took me a long time to grasp the idea that feminism is not saying that women are superior, but that men and women should be treated equally. There is a lot of stereotypes that come from feminists, so it can be difficult for people to look past the surface and realize that feminism strives to create union through equality between males and females.

Too many times feminism is looked at mockingly because of the stereotypical idea that women who call themselves feminists are “man hating extremists.” Sure there will be extremists within any movement, but the platform behind feminism is solely equality, not superiority. I think the word feminism often has a negative stigma tied to it, whereas a phrase like "gender equality" does not — though they have similar meanings.

It’s time for everyone to start rethinking what feminism stands for. Change doesn’t happen when people sit around and do nothing, and it is important for men and women around the world to continue working to create equal rights for everyone. If you believe that women should be paid the same as a man, or that women should receive the same opportunity and treatment as a man, you can call yourself a feminist. When it comes down to it, if you believe in gender equality, you essentially believe in feminism. There should be no shame in declaring yourself a feminist.

Feminism is not just an idea that should be tied to women. Men and women are both included in the fight to create gender equality. Gender equality is not just a one-sided battle. Many women, including Emma Watson, have begun movements to help bring men into this fight for gender equality. As Emma Watson said in her speech at The United Nations, “Men, I would like to take this opportunity to extend your formal invitation. Gender equality is your issue too.” Watson is a UN Women Goodwill Ambassador who cultivates the practice of women in feminism, politics, and social change. Specifically, Emma Watson created a campaign called #HeforShe that highlights the points that men should be able to do the things that are typically considered “girly” without facing any criticism.

It is easy to think that gender equality is not an issue you need to partake in, but around the world there are many women who do not even have the privilege of going to school because women are not supposed to be educated. Malala Yousafzai was a young woman who faced the repercussions of this. After living in the war zone of Pakistan where education was banned for all women, Malala decided to take action and continue her learning, although it was not permitted by her country. Because of this, Malala ended up being shot by the Taliban for her misbehavior. Luckily, Malala has recovered and has spent her time working to continue pressing the issues of gender equality.

Many men and women around the world are fighting for gender equality, which should be motivation to help continue the fight. We need feminism in society to create a fully equal living environment. We have made huge strides over the decades, but there is still a long road ahead of us if we truly want to achieve full equality. As the new year is beginning, it should be everyone’s goal to at least reexamine the idea behind feminism. If more women accept the title of being considered a feminist, more change can be provoked in the world to enhance equality between all people. I leave you with this: how can we achieve race equality, if we cannot even achieve equality between genders?

I am proud to call myself a feminist because I believe I deserve to have the same rights and opportunity as anyone else with the same qualifications and ideas as me.

As Malala Yousafzai wrote, “I decided there’s nothing wrong with calling yourself a feminist. I am a feminist, and we all should be feminists because feminism is another word for equality.”