Is a single day enough to honor a woman? Over the years, feminism has evolved, yet somewhere along the way, its true essence has been diluted. Today, feminism is often misunderstood as a fight for female superiority rather than an advocacy for equality. The movement, which once sought balance, has been clouded by misconceptions and trends, often detached from its deep-rooted history.
The Roots of Feminism :
Feminism was not born as a social media buzzword; it has a strong historical foundation. Mary Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (1792) marked the beginning of a movement that would go on to shape generations. From the suffragettes of the first wave, who fought for voting rights, to the second wave, which demanded equal opportunities in education and employment, feminism has always been about achieving parity, not dominance.
Toril Moi structured feminism into three key aspects: female (biological identity), feminine (cultural roles), and feminist (political stance). However, modern narratives often blur these distinctions, leading to misinterpretations that feminism is about women overpowering men rather than establishing harmony between the genders.
Feminism and Respect: A Two-Way Street-
It is undeniable that men should be taught respect how to speak, react, and behave appropriately. This is fundamental to feminism. However, equality cannot be one-sided. Women, too, must uphold respect. Feminism does not mean disregarding men’s emotions or experiences. It means ensuring neither gender feels belittled or burdened.
Mutual respect is the foundation of any society. A woman’s independence should not come at the cost of making a man feel insignificant, just as a man’s authority should not diminish a woman’s autonomy. True feminism lies in balancing the understanding that freedom is a mindset, not an exaggerated concept manipulated for personal convenience.
Acknowledging the Strength of Men
On this Women’s Day, let’s not forget an important truth: behind every strong woman, there is a man who believes in her, encourages her, and supports her growth. While we celebrate women’s resilience, we must also appreciate the men who uplift them. A society built on equality acknowledges that men, too, play an essential role as pillars of strength.
As much as women empower themselves, men deserve acknowledgment for their role in creating a balanced world. Men are not always the perpetrators; sometimes, they are the victims.
The Unspoken Side: Men as Victims
Recent tragedies remind us that gender struggles are not one-sided. In February 2025, a TCS manager, Manav Sharma, took his own life, citing emotional and legal harassment from his wife. In December 2024, Bengaluru software engineer Atul Subhash left behind a heart-wrenching 24-page letter detailing relentless pressure from his estranged wife and her family. These incidents highlight the need for fairness, where gender is not a basis for blame but a call for understanding.
Just as we demand protection for women, we must also ensure that men do not suffer in silence. A fair society does not function with sliding doors, where only one side gets to pass at a time. Instead, it requires strong, balanced pillars both men and women standing together, sharing equal responsibility and rights.
A Call for Real Feminism
This Women’s Day, let’s redefine feminism as it was meant to be: a call for equal respect. Let’s celebrate by knowing when to adjust and when to raise our voices, by understanding the difference between decency and vulgarity, by advocating for fairness, and by ensuring that feminism remains a force for justice, not division.
True empowerment lies in balance. When men and women stand together as equals, society thrives.
Happy Women’s Day!