(4 minutes read time)
Have you ever heard the word feminism? Some people think it means girls are trying to be better than boys, but that’s not true at all! Feminism means believing that boys and girls, men and women, and everyone in between should be treated equally and fairly.
Sometimes, people get worried when they hear about feminism because they think it means they’ve done something wrong. But feminism isn’t about blaming anyone — it’s about making things better for everyone!
What Do Women Want?
Every person is different, but many women and girls want similar things that help them feel happy and respected. Here are some of those things:
1. Respect and Kindness
Women want to be treated with kindness and respect, just like everyone else. This means listening to their ideas, treating them fairly, and valuing what they say.
2. To Feel Safe
Imagine walking home at night and feeling worried. Many women just want to feel safe, whether they’re outside, online, or at school. Everyone deserves to feel safe and protected.
3. Fair Chances
Girls and women want the same chances as boys and men. Whether it’s getting a good job, playing sports, or becoming a leader, they should have the same opportunities.
4. Help at Home
In many homes, mothers and the girls often do most of the jobs. But women want families to share work like cooking, cleaning, and taking care of kids. It teaches independence and respect. Everyone helping makes a home happier.
5. To Be Themselves
Women, like all people, want to be free to be themselves. Some like science, some like art, some like sports, and some like all three! Feminism says people should do what makes them happy without worrying about “girl” or “boy” rules. Women want to be seen as the person they are, not judged by how they look.
Why Some People Feel Upset About Feminism
Sometimes, people think feminism is about saying boys are bad. But that’s not what it means at all. It’s like if your friend gets a bigger slice of cake than you. If you ask for an equal slice, you’re not saying your friend shouldn’t have cake — you just want the same amount.
Feminism isn’t about taking away from boys; it’s about making sure everyone has what they need.
How You Can Help
You don’t have to be a girl or a woman to help make things fair! Everyone is responsible for the world we live in:
• Be Kind and Fair: If you see someone being mean to a girl because she’s a girl, stand up for her.
• Share Work at Home: Do your share of the jobs. No one is your servant — it’s not just a girl’s job.
• Listen to Others: If a girl shares her thoughts, listen carefully. Her ideas are just as important as anyone else’s.
• Be Yourself: Let kids play with dolls, cars, or both. Cheer for your friends no matter what hobbies they enjoy.
Feminism Makes the World Better
When we treat each other fairly, everyone wins. Feminism helps boys and girls feel free to be themselves, share their feelings, and follow their dreams. So next time someone talks about feminism, you can say, “That just means we want things to be fair for everyone!”
And that’s a pretty awesome thing to stand up for!
How counselling can help
I will provide you with a safe space to talk. In our work together, I’ll support you in understanding yourself more deeply so you can create the kind of relationship you truly want—one that reflects your values, needs, and worth. Through our therapeutic relationship, I’ll help you reconnect with your true self and grow into the most empowered, authentic version of you.
How to book a session
Click here and book a free initial consultation with me today. Read what people are saying about working with me in counselling here. I hold a private, confidential space for you. I’m looking forward to meeting you and hearing you very soon. Best wishes, Karen.
Disclaimer: I am a UK qualified person centred counsellor specialising in anxiety and trauma within the context of counselling. I write from my experiences and from my client work in counselling. My work is dependent on the therapeutic relationship and the meeting of two minds. It is a humbling experience and that is all part of the healing process that I witness every day. It is the best job in the world. This is not an emergency service. If you need to speak to someone urgently outside of my sessions, please call the Samaritans on 116 123 (24/7 confidential helpline in the UK).