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The complexities of feminism
And why I struggle with the way we celebrate International Women’s Day
I’ve always been a feminist in that I’ve always believed that I am equal to men, with an equal right to live life on my terms. At the same time, I’ve understood that the world doesn’t always support my beliefs.
I also know that I am fortunate. To have been born in a first world country. At a time in history when those before me did the really hard yards. With parents who made it easy to have that self belief. My mother is a strong, independent woman and my father is the epitome of optimism and support. My entire life they have run businesses together and this type of equality seemed normal. Sure, their distribution of domestic duties is typical of many in their generation. But it was more than that. Both treat me as an equal — my opinions valued from an early age and always including me in important decisions. It gave me a confidence and a belief in myself and my place in the world.
The first real awareness of my gender playing a part in the choices available to me was when I was 12. I was awarded as the top student in my primary school. There was a male and a female student chosen. The school principal presented us with our prizes and offered each of us the choice between 3 books. Mine were a cookbook, a book on ballet and a…
