First of all, let’s define feminism.

Feminism (noun): the advocacy of women's rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men.

For all the “meninists” out there, you should take this as a compliment. All we want is to be in the same rank as you because we are seen as weaker and more vulnerable. Whereas, men are considered the complete opposite. Though the reasons may be subtle, I believe they will eventually build up and become much more prevalent if we make them so.

We need feminism because my parents told me to make my own pepper spray when I went off to college.

We need feminism because, apparently, what I wear is an invitation to sexually harass me (even though I was wearing no make-up with a messy bun, and sweatpants, and sweatshirt when being catcalled, whistled at, made kissing noises at).

We need feminism because the phrase, “smart and pretty,” is considered a compliment, as if my looks had to do with my intellectual ability.

We need feminism because no matter how hard I work at my job, I will still get paid less than a man.

We need feminism because naked women are a norm in the advertising industry.

We need feminism because women at the gym are asked to put a shirt on over their sports bra because it is too revealing, while there are shirtless men everywhere.

We need feminism because dress code in public schools teaches girls that shoulders and knee caps are sexualized by teenage boys

We need feminism because society teaches me to show less skin before teaching boys to show more respect.

We need feminism because I need to walk with at least two other girls on campus at night: one to protect and one to call for help.

We need feminism because I’m tired of hearing rape jokes and using the term “pussy” to mean "weak."

We need feminism because I’m tired of being scared of being alone with a man on the stairs or elevator.

We need feminism because I’m considered moody when I state my opinion that no males else agree with.

We need feminism because the first question people ask a woman in an abusive relationship is, “why did you stay?” and not, "how could he do such a thing?”

We need feminism because guys complain about being in the “friend-zone” when a girl they were nice but did not want to have sex with them.

We need feminism because numerous women around the world are not allowed an education.

We need feminism because 39,000 child brides are married off every day.

We need feminism because being nice to a man and not wanting to have sex is “leading him on.”

We need feminism because it shouldn’t be unreasonable to want to keep my maiden name in marriage.

We need feminism because over 120 countries do not have laws against marital rape.

We need feminism because the government, comprised mainly of men, should not tell me whether I can, or can’t, have an abortion. It’s my body.

We need feminism because society is bent on the idea that our other half is out there somewhere to complete us. I am a whole woman by myself.

We need feminism because whenever I tell someone sex doesn’t interest me, their first question is, “well, how are you going to have kids? How are you going to satisfy your husband?”

We need feminism because people are surprised when I tell them I’m a virgin because I’m “too pretty.”

We need feminism because I am not a hero, or protagonist ,in books and movies. I am a love interest.

We need feminism because the term, “like a girl,” is still considered an insult.

We need feminism because swearing and not wearing dresses makes me a “tomboy.”

I’m tired of all females, of all races, and of all sexualities, being oppressed all over the world. This is why we need feminism.