“Feminism (noun): the advocacy of women’s rights on the grounds of political, social and economic equality to men”

It seems today, more so than in recent years, an emphasis on feminism has resurfaced. With major public figures, both women and men, speaking on the issue, it seems the concept of feminism has reached people rapidly and in various forms.

The only issue with this resurgence is that sometimes feminism becomes confusing, contradictory, and highly criticized. The word “feminist” has taken on a negative connotation; to identify with it has become something that is looked down on. On the other hand, women who do identify as feminist have become pitted against each other based on who is “the best feminist”. It is causing this movement to take two steps forward and five steps back. All in all, it is easy to lose sight of exactly what this new wave of feminism consists of. Luckily, there’s a few major figures who just get it.

Emma Watson

Emma Watson recently made a game-changing speech on gender equality at the U.N headquarters. She has become a face for this new wave of feminism-- and rightfully so. Emma Watson stands strong in her beliefs and really expresses feminism for what it is.

“We need more of those [feminists] and if you still hate the word, it is not the word that is important. It’s the idea and the ambition behind it.”

Beyonce

Beyonce has always been known as somewhat of a feminist. With songs like “If I Were A Boy” and “Flawless”, Beyonce has spoken up against gender inequality in her own way.

“I’ve always considered myself a feminist, although I was always afraid of that word because people put so much on it when honestly, it’s very simple. it just a person that believed in equality for men and women balance each other out, and we have to get to a point where we are comfortable with appreciating each other…I consider myself a humanist.”

Mindy Kaling

Mindy Kaling has always voiced how proud she is of her identity. She is constantly speaking out about what it is like to be a an actress who isn’t the “typical” woman we see on television. She has definitely taken a modern approach to feminism and brings the aspect of self confidence and self love amongst women into the picture.

“If you like lipstick or watch Keeping Up With the Kardashians… and you’re willing to admit any of that, there are people who think you’re letting down women or something, which is just a bunch of bulls***.”

Amy Poehler

In her book, Yes Please, Amy Poehler touches on feminism countless times. She expresses that women should support other women’s choices, be unapologetic in personal decisions, and know when to just accept that it is “good for her, not for me!”

“I think some big actors and musicians feel like they have to speak their audience and that word is confusing to their audience. But I don’t get it. That’s like someone being lie, ‘I don’t really believe in cars, but I drive on every day and I love that it gets me places and makes life so much easier and faster and I don’t know what I would do without it.”

Malala Yousafzai

Malala is a Pakistani activist and the youngest nobel peace prize winner. She has fought for women’s right to education by speaking mostly about education as a tool to fight terrorism and why it is so important that girls have this same right to education as boys. When speaking on feminism her platform is short and sweet: “I fight for women’s rights.”