The feminist movement has a long history involving direct action taken by independent women who chose to fight relentlessly for equal rights. In the 1970’s, women took to the streets to protest unfair treatment. Gloria Steinem proudly yelled, “We are the women that our parents warned us about, and we are proud." These courageous women from all walks of life united as one in order to bring awareness to the male centric power structures that discriminate against women of all backgrounds. Today, some may argue the feminist movement as a whole has taken on a different look; arguing the movement has fallen silent. The word “feminist” is often perceived as a negative implication that represents a man-hating woman with a superiority complex. Today, a great deal of people take being called a feminist as an insult, rather than a compliment. Many individuals do not think the world still needs feminism, and that we as a society have reached a point in which misogyny no longer exists. This, however, is an extremely dangerous way to view the world. The feminism movement is just as needed today as it was during the 1970’s. Reviving the feminist movement in order to create equality among all genders is not only important, but critical to the progression of society.
Many individuals believe we have reached an era in time when gender inequality no longer exists. Women are allowed to vote and have the same rights men do. This may be true, but there is still a patriarchal complex impacting millions of women worldwide. One of the biggest examples of this phenomena is the 20 percent pay gap existent between men and women. According to the AAUW report titled “The Simple Truth About the Gender Pay Gap," this unequal distribution of money has many financial, social and economic consequences. Women earn just 80 percent of what men do, which directly contributes to the poverty of women. Not only are women being paid less than their male counterparts, the rate at which women will see equal pay has been slowing since 2001. If it continues on the path it is on now, society can expect women to receive the same pay as men by 2152.
This follows women even after they have left the workforce. Since they have made less money overall, women often receive less social security pensions, once retired. The pay gap does not solely effect women, it also effects men and children. For example, since 1967 the amount of women who bring home a quarter or more of a families total earnings has risen from 28 percent to 63 percent. Additionally, 40 percent of mothers are now the sole provider for their family. While families increasingly rely on women to be the breadwinners in order to make ends meet, the pay gap has a direct effect on children as well.
The pay gap is a very real problem that women face everyday. This proves the need for equal rights among genders is still very much needed. The unequal pay distribution has a trickle down effect on society that hits the lower class and minority women hardest. Millions of women are being given less benefits, money and opportunities, which creates an unequal proportion of power within society. The feminist movement works to correct this problem and bring awareness to it. To say the feminist movement is no longer needed is an untrue statement, which is further proven by the impacts the pay gap has had on women, men and children.
The pay gap is not the only issue women must face; abuse, rape and violence often effect women, especially women of color. Different demographics of women face different types of oppression. Women of color are constantly targeted against, with little solutions being presented. The type of sexism that white, cisgender women face is different than that which minority, gay, transgender, and low-income women face. This fact alone presents an argument for the need of feminism. Intersectionality plays a large role in the demographic associated with violence and abuse. The feminist movement is something with the ability to empower millions of women to gain a voice and be heard. We need to continue to recognize the inequality present within society in order to create a better future for generations to come.
