Misunderstood, Not Obsolete: The Case for Feminism

Feminism is often misinterpreted as a movement that seeks to place women above men, when in reality, it asks for nothing more than equality. It is about fairness in opportunity, respect in treatment and dignity in existence. Feminism does not aim to promote a matriarchal society, but to dismantle the imbalance that has existed for centuries. Feminism challenges a system where rights were unevenly distributed and reminds us that equality is not a privilege but a basic human right.

Some public figures and influencers have openly questioned and rejected feminism, arguing that it has contributed little of value to society. They claim that instead of fostering equality and cooperation, feminism has promoted division and conflict between genders.

But we argue, that feminism is still very much needed in 2025, and the coming years.

The fight for equality is not yet over, In Afghanistan, women face some of the strongest and most extreme discriminations in the world: According to the UN Women Gender Index 2024, the country has the second widest gender pay gaps globally, with women realising only 17% of thier potential in education, health, financial inclusion and decision making compared to men. Nearly 8 out of 10 women are excluded from schooling and employment. This has left only 24% of women in the labour force compared to 89% of men.

Further more, Prevalence of violence against women and girls, continues to rise high.

According to the UN Women: An estimated 840 million women, have been subjected to physical or intimate partner violence, non partner sexual violence, or atleast both in their life. Non partner sexual violence is widespread, but remains highly under-reported with globally,  263 million women aged 15 years and older have reported of experiencing the same.

Further more, women who have experienced violence are more likely to suffer from unplanned pregnancies, HIV and depression.

FGM: female genital mutilation: still remains a practice which affects millions of women and girls across the world, with over 230 million women and girls, who had gone under the FGM. This continues to propose severe health risks and violating fundamental human rights.

Feminism has played a crucial role in securing basic rights that many take for granted today, including access to education, legal equality, workplace protections, and laws against violence and harassment. It has expanded opportunities for women in leadership and public life while promoting the freedom to make personal, social, and economic choices aiming not to divide society, but to create fairness and dignity for all. Feminism still aims to do more, expanding support to severely affected areas, where inequality, exploitation and denial still persist.

At last, we must remember that progress is always called ‘division’ by those who benefit from silence.

                                  -The Civic Forum