I Do Not Wish Women to Have Power Over Men; But Over Themselves
Image Credit: Global Citizen/Unsplash/ Lindsey LaMont
The goal of feminism is equality for all people, not the supremacy of women over other people. It emphasizes that the fight for equal rights is not about gaining power over others, but about securing the right to self-determination and autonomy. We should understand and accept the fact that individual differences, regardless of their nature, do not imply superiority.
A legacy of inequality: Historical Perspective
Today we live in an advanced and reformed world but no matter how progressive, nearly every nation has a history of mistreating women. Most individuals profess themselves not to be feminists, but most women do so because of the events and experiences that shape their beliefs. Women have fought for their current standing by rebelling throughout history.
Women, before 1920, in the United States paid taxes but had no political representation and right to vote. This implies that they were expected to foot the bill for a government that did not consider or allow their input or decision-making abilities at all. Women during the Victorian period were not permitted to inherit the family estate, therefore whether they desired marriage or not, they had to find a spouse in order to accede to the ancestral property, as the property of their father can only belong to their husband, making them economically and financially dependent on men their entire life.
Society was conditioned into feeling afflicted for women and not seeing them as independent individuals, so they were systematically erased from any sort of participation and contribution in any field, be it education, economic, social, or political. The concept that women are objects of pity, and weakness and should be controlled by society out of a sense of domineering obligation characterizes the patriarchal traditions. Their dependency is treated more like a personal, irreversible roll of dice and not as a societal failure. Destroying the oppressive structures that have historically kept women in subservient roles is the goal of true feminism.
The Broader Impact: Shared Power and Authentic Lives
We must be aware that everyone is a victim of this patriarchal system, not only women. We have all been conforming to the gender norms that have been ascribed to us since we were young children. Naturally, our subconscious mind accepts it and we consciously believe it without reasoning. Gender stereotypes that specify how men and women should act, dress, and think are contested by feminism.
Feminism creates opportunities for people to live authentically and freely from social restrictions by challenging these conventions. It also helps men through the promotion of equal, healthy relationships and the opposition to toxic masculinity, they can also have more fulfilling lives when they are released from the constraints of adhering to traditional masculine norms and pressure. When women fully engage in the economy and acquire leadership positions, governments, and organizations get access to a variety of viewpoints that promote inclusive and efficient decision-making.
When women have power over themselves, they can contribute fully to the community and all the benefits extend beyond the individual to the society as a whole, leading to a more just, equitable, and prosperous world.
The Essence of Feminism: Equality, Not Supremacy
Wollstonecraft’s words “I do not wish women to have power over men, but over themselves” remind us that the goal of feminism is not to flip the power dynamics between men and women to create a matriarchy. Instead, it is to establish a society where power is shared equitably, and no one is oppressed based on their gender or identity. This vision of equality is one where everyone can live free from the constraints of traditional gender roles, and stereotypical norms, allowing them to fully realize their potential and live freely without suppressing their true self. This vision of equality benefits everyone, creating a society where individuals are valued for their humanity rather than their adherence to traditional gender roles.
-Anukriti Jain is pursuing a Master’s in English from the University of Delhi. She enjoys cooking and playing the synthesizer.
