They say; "one must have done some 'punya' (a good deed) in their past life to be born as a Brahman." I am ashamed of the time when I believed whatever 'they' say and took pride in being born in a cast that believes itself to be superior of all and restricts women to exist as an individual. In this article I am going to address the small percentage of life that I have witnessed as a girl who was forced to be proud of the cast she was born in and think low of others, as well as herself.

If I received £1 for every time someone asked me if identifying as a feminist means I hate men, I’d have enough money to be able to create some form of scheme to educate everyone (particularly from older generations) on the vast difference between feminism and misandry. As it is, I do not have that much money and this is the only platform I have (I know my Twitter followers are bored of my feminist rants) and I like to use it for things that are important to me. So let’s get into it, shall we?

I didn’t really have much sex or biology education. I didn’t really know that the little pooch I’d been hating on and trying to get rid of since I was 6 years old was actually my uterus and was supposed to be there. I didn’t know that having different sized breasts than the rest of the girls my age was pretty normal. I just didn’t know. I’ve spent my whole life hating the body I was born in and thinking that I wasn’t enough; I’ve spent too much time thinking I was too chunky, had too short of a waist, my thighs were too fat, my head was an ugly shape, my cheeks were too chubby, and that if I could just *fix* all the little things, that I could have a chance at being happy.

Black and White womanhood and the intersectionality of race, class, gender, capitalism, state power etc., has influenced the injustices that Black women have endured for centuries. Black women are still enduring the impact of slavery that supports this false white superiority and black inferiority established by an unfair healthcare system, Justice system, education system, employment system, and the social institutions that support this concept. Black women have been the targets for this form of genocide in many aspects in society such as state violence, and sexual violence. For example, the misrepresentation that Black women are inherently aggressive and should be managed as such when targeted by law enforcement. While their white counterparts are handled with care and courtesy.

Sometimes I wake up angry. I wake up from a dream about my past or my thoughts start spinning in a circle filled with memories of the town I grew up in, of my dad, of the society I lived in, of the sexism I was surrounded by for 19 years until I finally moved to the UK.

Esila 21 March 2017 Feminism: Powered by Appeal Feminism has come a long way over the years. There are still many stones to turn for equality of the sexes. Feminism, for many men and women, has lost its attraction. Though Feminists have achieved a great deal, they have lost their appeal, but gained power by negative appeal, obstacles women still face, and the new election of Donald Trump in 2016.

There has been so many people talking about it, some say it is bad and others, that its good. BUT is it good? If it is good, then for me I mean it is the beats and the music that I like. The lyrics of the song is so degrading that I do not even have words for it. When Critics are saying that this song is vulgar or bring bad role models, some people starts to defend it. There is nothing wrong to tell your opinion but defending something that is just only sexual, is where we are wrong.

Success is having visions and goals, then achieving them.Women have come so far in the world. We finally believe that success is possible and are recognized for it as well. Women before us proved how possible that women are courageous and can do anything.

Ladies, ladies, ladies let's talk for a minute. So many of us were taught growing up that we have to be tough, strong and that being independent was the way to be. Now don't get me wrong that isn't all wrong. There are many benefits of being strong and having a sense of being independent. When were we ever taught about being feminine?

Growing up as a woman comes with certain societal expectations. "Always smile and be polite," because no woman is allowed to get angry in public. "Dress the part and look nice," because perfectionsm is in your DNA. "Loud self defence is not neccesary, when you can suck it up and let it go". Being raised in an Eastern European culture makes these prepositions no easier. Traditional convetions are strongly desired since day one of our existence. I could say things started changing in the past two (optimisitically?) decades. Older generations point of view, however, did not.

Six feet tall. 195 pounds. Toned biceps and triceps. Strong legs. Big voice. Big opinions. Big laugh. All of these characteristics define who I am in physique and disposition, but none of these seemingly manly attributes negate my womanhood and femininity. The traditional and conservative idea is that femininity and weakness are synonymous. Many expect women to be small and unassuming, and that has never and will never be me. My height alone commands a room; and when I add my big voice and opinions, I tend to overwhelm some people.

“The most disrespected person in America is the black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the black woman. The most neglected person in America is the black woman.” Malcolm X said these words in 1962. 58 years later, nothing has changed. At all. As a matter of fact, one could make the argument that with the advent of the internet and social media, it’s probably gotten worse. The Black woman’s body for centuries has been a topic of ridicule, scorn, lust and fetishization from both Black and white men and white women. The Black woman’s intellect even more so. Black women have been ridiculed as not being as smart as Black men, when according to the National Center for Education Statistics, Black women make up 64% of all bachelor’s degrees earned by Black people in the United States, and 67% of all associates degrees earned, statistically speaking. Black women have also been leading revolutions and carrying on movements when Black male leaders were either slain or imprisoned. The burden of the colour of our skin that we have had to shoulder, amassed with having to raise families, take care of elders and maintain social standing and our mental health is and has been beyond taxing.