Blowing Water | The fight for gender equality is a matter that should concern everyone – not just women

As a woman who has worked for a number of years in what was once a largely male-dominated industry, I am a staunch feminist who has always believed in equality of the sexes.

My definition of equality means that both men and women have fair access to any and all job opportunities, receive equal pay in the workplace, and are not treated any differently to their counterparts of the opposite sex. This includes positive discrimination, as the idea that someone should expect to profit from their sex, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic background, sexual orientation, or religious beliefs is one that defeats the purpose of equality.

However, it would appear that feminism has become far too militant in both its outlook and actions, as this branch of feminism has forcibly superseded more traditional forms. Instead of fighting for equality, these radical feminists are fighting for all-female domination, which in itself defeats the ultimate purpose of feminism.

We should wear the label of humanity rather than that of feminism with pride, and nor should we set up men as the villains in the fight for sexual equality.

Feminism is an all-encompassing idea that promotes equality of the sexes, and this means that anyone can be a feminist. It does not matter if you are a man, or a devout Catholic, a Muslim, a transsexual, or anything other than a cisgender woman; anyone who believes that both men and women deserve to be on an equal footing in every aspect of life should be viewed as a feminist.