by Rowann

Created on: February 26, 2007   Last Updated: April 30, 2007

When one gets comfortable in a situation, it is easy to take it for granted. Many women who work, vote, use contraception, choose to marry or remain single, forge ahead in leadership roles, own property, travel unaccompanied, and are single mothers say that they are not "Feminists." Many of these actions, rights and freedoms would be impossible had it not been for pioneering Feminists who blazed the trail for women, back when as a gender we were lumped intelligence-wise, with children, criminals and "idiots". Not to mention being called the "weaker sex" and being owned first by our fathers, then husbands (or any other male in the household.)

Women who fear to label themselves Feminist seem to have a fear of being identified as radical man-hating lesbians. However, these fears are absurd, and needlessly robs the movement of potential strengths that more women could provide. Within every movement, there are factions, some of them extreme. Within the Feminist movement, there are also everyday women; mothers, sisters, wives, daughters. There is a spectrum of women who make the difference. For some, having a family and being a mother is ridiculed. For others, they are reviled because of unconventional sexuality or appearance. Some ignore the opinions of their sisters because they are too old, too young, not old enough, are employed, are a student, are unemployed, are supported by someone else. Women must put aside the small differences that threaten to split apart the foundation of Feminism. Standing together, regardless of race, religion, societal status, appearance and sexual preference is the only way to continue the victories of the movement.

We may feel comfortable with the achievements our Foremothers fought so hard to gain; but it would be easy for it all to slip away. In many countries, torture, stoning, disfiguring acids and death are used to punish women who have been raped, or have had pre-marital sex, or who are homosexual. We can't take our freedoms for granted. Vigilance and support is required to help the women of the world know the freedom and comfort we enjoy. Government supported day-care, contraception, legalized abortion, continued education for our sex, equality in the work force and legal protection against violence and discrimination are the result of tireless sacrifice and courage. Don't let the Feminist movement languish out of fear, or ignorance, or assurance that it is "dead" and that we can safely rest on our laurels.

No matter what walk of life a woman is from, she can be a Feminist, and proud part of a powerful, supportive, necessary organization.

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