Throughout time there has been controversy in defining women and feminity. I believe all women are “smart enough to make these millions. Strong enough to bear the children, then get back to business” as Beyonce says. Societal expectations, biology and culture influence how women are perceived and types of feminist groups.
“A strong woman is someone who isn’t afraid to share her opinions and speak her truth. She listens, but she doesn’t allow other problems to bring her down. She is filled with kindness, generosity, compassion, integrity, a willingness to be vulnerable, and authentic. No matter what, she is true to herself.” (Barker, 2020).
Characteristics of a strong women
- Women are aware obstacles will come their way and of the misogynistic expectations people have for them. A strong woman lives with a nonchalant attitude exuding confidence, strength, self-awareness, the ability to self-regulate is motivated, shows empathy, and is resilient.
- Being confident is a great sign of self-love, and it helps us to stay away from comparing. We are happy in our skin and at peace in our minds. Being confident is a comfort. We can always go the extra mile by sharing our confidence with others, but at the end of the day, being confident is a personal accomplishment.
- They’re not afraid to show vulnerability. Being vulnerable helps us to work through our emotions easier, instead of ignoring them. Vulnerability fosters good emotional and mental health. Vulnerability also is a sign of courage. We become more resilient and brave when we embrace who we truly are and what we are feeling.
- Are able to ask for help. Asking for help shows signs of strength, confidence, and resourcefulness. Shows courage and resilience. Women are being honest within themselves. This way allows her to process, and work together, encouraging healthy wellbeing. In a world where people expect problems to be solved fast, surrounding yourself with people who can help you in different situations is highly valuable.
- Has determination. Being determined means having a firm decision or goal and not wavering in your pursuit of achieving it. is a firmness of purpose or resoluteness.
- Busy, vibrant, and goal-orientated woman who doesn’t wait for a man to validate her existence.
- Is not afraid to share her opinions and speak her truth. She listens, but she doesn’t allow other problems to bring her down.
- Loves unconditionally from the time she is a little girl to the day she passes. She is always willing to take care of others. She loves. And never stops loving.
Feminism is about all genders having equal rights and opportunities. It’s about respecting diverse women’s experiences, identities, knowledge and strengths, and striving to empower all women to realise their full rights.” (Lorber, n.d)
Whilst strides have been made towards equality throughout these periods, women remain far from equal both in the Western world and globally. Feminism remains as important an issue today for contemporary women as it did for the brave and pioneering suffragettes at the turn of the twentieth century.
Liberal Feminism Also called mainstream feminism and is defined by its focus on achieving gender equality within the framework of liberal democracy. (Lorber, n.d) Liberal feminists’ protest is that women should have equal education offers as men have equal political importance, work opportunities, and equal pay. A statement created by liberal feminists states “If women and men are not different, then they should not be treated differently under the law, sexist expectations and manner. “ (Baehr, 2020). Liberals understand freedom as personal autonomy by living a life of one’s own choosing, and political autonomy by being co-author of the conditions under which one lives.
Cultural Feminism “Cultural feminists have not challenged the definition of woman, but only the definition men have given women.” (Alcoff, 2017) Cultural feminism emphasizes essential differences between men and women, based on biological differences in reproductive capacity. Cultural feminism attributes to those differences distinctive and superior virtues in women. Cultural feminists challenge the specificity of women’s expectations and beliefs surrounding the concept of women.
Radical feminism is a perspective that protests for a radical re-ordering of society in which male supremacy is eliminated in all social and economic contexts while recognizing that women’s experiences are also affected by other social divisions such as race, class, and sexual orientation. (Baehr, 2020).
Particular points of radical feminism:
- Reproductive rights, including the freedom to make choices to give birth, have an abortion, use birth control, or get sterilized
- Evaluating and then breaking down traditional gender roles in private relationships as well as in public policies
- Understanding rape as an expression of patriarchal power, not a seeking of sex
- Understanding prostitution under patriarchy as the oppression of women, sexually and economically
- A critique of motherhood, marriage, the nuclear family, and sexuality, questioning how much of our culture is based on patriarchal assumptions
- A critique of other institutions, including government and religion, as centred historically in patriarchal power
