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The Progress of Feminism

A Woman's Struggle for Rights and Recognition

By Kevin TennertPublished 3 years ago 5 min read
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Feminism has been around for millennia. When I say this, I'm referring to women who have held some high level of administrative and executive position responsible for the operation of a empire, kingdom, republic, democratic federation and so on. I believe when a woman holds considerable power either domestically, internationally, economically, politically and corporately, I believe it's a sign of feminism at work. Nowadays, I see many women at the top of power. This trend has progressed through the industrial modern era with Suffrage, present day and future. Of course. If a man can do it, so can a woman, right? A society can't function properly if an entire gender is marginalized, subjugated and segregated. Everyone has to be involved in order for it to prosper on a grand scale. Yet it doesn't happen all the time and there's historic evidence to show this. But why was there a need for feminism in the first place? Let's find out.

Throughout history, there's credible and defining evidence of women with power. Prime examples of this are classic Egyptian leaders such as Nefertiti, Nefertari, Hatshepsut, and Cleopatra. Nefertari, for instance, was highly educated and could read and write hieroglyphs which was considered quite rare at the time. Probably the best known female ruler from the kingdom was Cleopatra thanks to modern pop culture and written documentation of her relationship with Mark Antony. I find these women were great forbearers of feminine rule in vast realms during ancient times. I would also consider female mythological characters from Greece and Rome to be another terrific stepping stone to greater female dominance in culture. Norse mythology also has great examples of this. Despite their fictional roles in mythology, you don't hear much about female contributions to ancient empires of Greece and Rome since the political and economic climates were largely dominated by men.

Christianity is knows for its callous and despondent attitude towards women. After all, in the Book of Genesis it tells of the creation of Adam and Eve where Eve is created from Adam and becomes corrupt by taking the apple from the serpent despite God's strong disapproval of such an act. Because of Eve's treachery, women have been disrespected, distrusted and maligned by males in the Christian world. This is why many women in the clergy and monasteries were removed from power and discarded later in the middle ages. They were seen as baby carriers with no right to hold onto any power whatsoever because the man is in charge and dictates what has to be done. It was their divine right so to speak and many powerful men in the nobility and clergy took that to heart and forged forward with their doctrines. Despite the women's downtrodden and vilified image, some women have broken through the mold miraculously. Great examples of brave and pioneering women in this area are Hildegard of Bingen, Eleanor of Aquitaine, Elizabeth of Thüringen and Matilda of Tuscany. Their domineering roles in their respective fields showed Europe and its communities and principalities that women are capable of leading. Their knowledge and expertise were crucial in the development of societies and how they developed under their watch. I wouldn't be surprised if women from the modern era looked up to these women as role models for their goals.

Most of know that the women's suffrage movement of the 19th and early twentieth centuries are responsible for the current rise of modern feminism. Names such as Emmeline Pankhurst, Susan B. Anthony, Alice Paul, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton echo in the chambers of feminism as they fought for more of women's recognition and place in modern society. Other big names such as Harriett Beecher Stowe, Harriet Tubman, Emily Dickinson, Mary Shelley, George Eliot, Louisa May Alcott and Jane Austen proved to their masculine contemporaries that their prowess and influence in the arts shouldn't be messed with. They earned their place in the sun and their performance and wisdom has won over the hearts of millions around the world. The Suffragist's calls and chants for their right to vote was their most paramount rallying cry. Large cities in the Western world were platforms for their activism and many people took notice. Many activists were apprehended and incarcerated due to their demonstrations. Many men laughed and mocked them in the process but they didn't care. They soldered on, trying to get the government's attention. Due to their tireless and ambitious fight to be acknowledged and rise to power, many women can thank them for the rights they enjoy today.

In the mid-19th century, men have tried to subvert women's placement during the age of the nuclear family. Here, women are seen as housewives with nothing better else to do. The man was the breadwinner and was expected to be served dinner as soon as he arrived home from work. That was the ideal image of the typical North American household after the Second World War. It seemed that the women's incredible participation in the war industry by manufacturing bombs and ammunition for the Allied war effort faded away. The war couldn't have been fought without them at home. It wasn't until the counterculture movement that women began on their quest once again to break through the cultural barriers. This fight continues to this day as more women are finding honorable and pronounced appointments and positions in the justice system, politics, business, and the arts. Proof of this is Vice-President Kamala Harris and many others who occupy crucial roles within the federal government under President Biden. Thanks to them, the movement fights on.

Feminism doesn't mean to take away men's place in society. In fact, it means that women want to be seen as equals: equal pay, respect, and equitable and egalitarian benefits within business, culture and politics. It should be a no-brainer. Why should they receive less? Is it only because of their gender? Come on! Like I mentioned before, no country can function properly when a group is disadvantaged. If that happens, we all suffer and I'm sure no one ever wants that.

feminism
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About the Creator

Kevin Tennert

I think expressing yourself in fundamental and categorical topics help create a more transparent, concise, and educational environment. For me, I like to explain key issues that dominate current events in society and encourage dialogue.

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