Embracing Feminism and Femininity - March on for Women - Happy International Womens' Day

March?is finally here, the month?dedicated to celebrating and honouring women all over the world in all capacities, ethnicities, walks of life, shapes and sizes. In recognition of this special month, I have chosen to?focus on the concepts of feminism?and?femininity, with the aim of dispelling the negative misconceptions?of?feminism and shake down the narrow lens through which we view femininity.

Feminism is not a?fad?or a movement?which?seeks to subjugate or?undermine?men or promote the superiority of women. It is a movement?which?seeks to create a more equitable society for everyone. in?line with this years theme,?#EmbraceEquity , it is a call for all of us, men and women side by side to be champions of equity for all.??Unfortunately feminism still?carries negative?connotations for many people. Feminism is not about bashing men, it's actually about embracing?equal opportunities. So let's take a quick dive into the concept of Femininity.

There are a lot of subconscious biases which have?formed our perception of what it means to be feminine. Women who are feminine are often regarded as?more attractive, wear more makeup , are gentle , docile, nurturing which to some is a weaker?version of masculinity. I do not doubt that these characteristics will definitely apply to some women but we can’t say these encompass the breadth of femininity . Stepping back into History, the world has produced some of the greatest feminists ever known ranging from Queen Esther to Rosa Parks to Funmilayo Ransome Kuti and Wangari Maathai. All very different women but the common thread they share is arguably their feminine strength which led to their historic achievements.?Femininity is bold, it is courageous, it is also wise, it knows when to speak and also when to be cautious. When to roar and when to be silent.

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I have always felt that direct comparisons between?masculinity and femininity is the root of some of the societal problems we face today. Subconsciously society considers?masculinity as strong and assertive whereas femininity?is considered friendly and warm. Anything that falls outside of this is treated as an exception to the norm. An oddity of sorts. A recent article published in Harvard Business Review titled “How Women on Boards navigate the “Warmth -Competence '' Line?shared the results of a research study which confirmed women on boards habitually self check themselves to avoid being seen as cold and highly strung which is not considered feminine. Go figure. The article goes on to narrate?‘The root cause of these perceptions is that women are expected to demonstrate both stereotypical masculine traits of boldness and feminine traits such as warmth’.??

Such comparisons and indeed perceptions are very unhealthy and can cause mental health issues in the workplace and beyond and need to stop. The reality is society is not yet prepared to accept multiple definitions of what it means to be feminine, feminism is the movement that wants to drive equality for all and accept different expressions of femininity which are unfortunately not expounded upon in this article.?So Women are from Venus and Men are from Mars but we both have to live on earth and make it work. I see women as complementary to men and men complementary to women. Both genders make up society whether we like it or not. We need to co-exist and be more accepting and supportive of each other so everyone can thrive, not just survive.

By embracing femininity,?I believe?women can find more confidence and strength becoming more rooted and grounded??in their identity, imagine a world where?we recognise that?the Nurturing instinct prepares??future leaders, the ability to express empathy for others can empower you to become?a great mentor?and/or career coach and that natural ability to multitask lays the foundation to become a successful and wealthy project manager and so much more. There are many hidden yet powerful traits that you can take away from what it means to be feminine.. Men too can?show support and?also find strength in rejecting toxic masculinity and working towards a better future. Ultimately, femininity?is a form of strength that benefits us all.

"Personally,?feminism is?about?acknowledging differences yet remaining equals,?it is?not about superiority. Feminism is about dismantling the patriarchal systems?which?perpetuate?oppression?preventing?both men and women?from?living?in a world where everyone is treated with dignity and respect."

When women embrace feminism, they?reject the?idea that they are inferior to men. They?acknowledge?that they have a right to be treated with respect and dignity, regardless of their gender. This is a powerful message that can help women to overcome the internalised?misogyny that is so prevalent in our society.

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By?owning your expression of femininity, instead of shying away from it?can?help women find their voice. When women embrace?it, they become more connected from within and are encouraged to speak out against injustice and inequality. As the?saying goes, when?a woman wins, we all win.?We need to remember that our voices need to be heard and our stories are valid.??By sharing??stories and experiences?we are in a better position?to demand change.

Your call to action today is to pay it forward and do something practical to show women whether you are one or not how you can empower and support a woman.

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