How to Be a Feminist: 8 Practical Steps

Are you wondering how to be a feminist in your everyday life? Do you want to make a difference in the fight for gender equality?

In her powerful essay We Should All Be Feminists, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie explores the concept of modern feminism. She offers insights on how to be a feminist and make meaningful changes in our daily lives.

Read on to discover practical steps you can take to embrace feminism and promote gender equality in your personal and professional spheres.

Embracing Feminism in Your Daily Life

Challenge Gender Stereotypes

If you're wondering how to be a feminist in your daily life, one of the first steps is to challenge gender stereotypes. Adichie's experiences highlight how these stereotypes can limit both men and women. For men, societal expectations often pressure them to hide their vulnerabilities and emotions, maintaining an appearance of strength. This narrow view of masculinity can be damaging, as it doesn't allow for a full range of human experiences.

As a feminist, you can start by recognizing and questioning these stereotypes. Encourage the men in your life to express their emotions freely and validate their experiences. Similarly, challenge the notion that women should always prioritize being likable over expressing their true feelings or ambitions.

Redefine Success

Society often defines success differently for men and women. For men, it's often tied to economic prosperity and asserting control. For women, success is frequently measured by their ability to secure a marriage. As a feminist, it's important to challenge these narrow definitions.

Redefine success for yourself based on your personal goals and aspirations, regardless of your gender. Don't let societal expectations dictate your path. If you're a woman, don't feel pressured to put your career on hold for a relationship. If you're a man, remember that your worth isn't solely determined by your financial status or ability to dominate.

Promote Equal Participation in Domestic Duties

Adichie points out the inequality in domestic labor, where women are often expected to take on the majority of household and caregiving responsibilities. To be a feminist in your daily life, strive for equal participation in these duties, regardless of gender.

If you're in a relationship, have open discussions about sharing household tasks equitably. If you're raising children, teach them that domestic responsibilities aren't gendered. Normalize men's participation in childcare and housework by treating it as expected behavior rather than something extraordinary.

Nurture Talents, Not Gender Roles

When interacting with children, focus on nurturing their individual talents and passions rather than steering them towards activities based on their gender. This approach can help create a more balanced society where people pursue their interests freely, unencumbered by gender expectations.

Encourage children to explore a wide range of activities, regardless of whether they're traditionally associated with their gender. This could mean supporting a boy's interest in cooking or a girl's passion for sports.

Recognize and Address Women's Specific Challenges

Being a feminist means acknowledging the unique challenges women face due to their gender. In many social settings, women often experience discrimination and harassment. For instance, Adichie recounts how women in Nigeria face prejudice when entering hotels or clubs alone.

To be a feminist, speak up when you witness such discrimination. Support initiatives that aim to create safe spaces for women in public areas. Additionally, be aware of subtle forms of discrimination, such as waiters addressing only the man at a table, and challenge these behaviors when you encounter them.

Embrace Your Femininity

Adichie's experiences show that many women feel pressured to downplay their femininity to be taken seriously. As a feminist, you can challenge this notion by embracing your femininity without apology.

If you enjoy traditionally feminine things like makeup or high heels, don't feel that you need to give these up to be a "serious" feminist. The key is to make these choices for yourself, not because of societal pressure or to please others.

Challenge Marriage Expectations

Society often places undue pressure on women to prioritize marriage above all else. As a feminist, you can challenge this expectation by valuing your personal and professional goals equally with, or even above, the goal of marriage.

Remember that your worth isn't determined by your marital status. Encourage others to see women as complete individuals, regardless of whether they're married or single.

Educate Yourself and Others

To be an effective feminist, it's crucial to educate yourself about gender issues and share this knowledge with others. Read feminist literature, like Adichie's We Should All Be Feminists, to deepen your understanding of feminist principles.

Don't shy away from discussions about gender equality. Share your insights with friends, family, and colleagues. Remember, being a feminist isn't about hating men or seeking female superiority—it's about striving for equality and fairness for all genders.

Advocate for Change

Finally, being a feminist means actively advocating for change. This could involve supporting policies that promote gender equality, calling out sexist behavior when you see it, or simply leading by example in your daily life.

Remember, as Adichie points out, cultural practices can and do change over time. Just as certain inhumane practices have been abolished, current gender norms can also evolve. By consistently challenging these norms and advocating for equality, you contribute to this ongoing cultural evolution.