#FeministsAreEverywhere: Why we’re proud to be feminists

Orlaith Condon

Feminists are everywhere.

If you’ve been on Twitter today, you may have noticed that this phrase is trending.

Well, it’s all down to the Women’s Council of Ireland which is holding their AGM tomorrow and is asking us to share our reasons for being feminists.

Ahead of our AGM on Thursday, let us know what you do in life and why you are a feminist using #FeministsAreEverywhere

— Womenscouncilireland (@NWCI) June 6, 2017

We’ve been discussing the issue of the gender pay gap a lot lately. And after asking you for your thoughts on the issue, it’s clear that it’s just that – a major issue. Nearly 70 percent of you in fact said you felt you were treated differently to your male counterparts in work.

This year might see the introduction of incredible important changes like the Gender Pay Gap Information Bill 2017 which will hold companies accountable if they are not paying their staff equally.

It’s a huge step forward for gender equality in this country, but we still have a long way to go.

CEO & entrepreneur. Feminist bc everyone deserves to have the same opportunities to fulfil their human potential. #FeministsAreEverywhere https://t.co/YMVlRfIFJw

— MargaretEWard (@MargaretEWard) June 6, 2017

I’m a feminist ‘cos that’s the why. Loads of work to do on lots of fronts but in it together. #FeministsAreEverywhere

— Tara Flynn (@TaraFlynn) June 6, 2017

Feminist because I believe men & women are equal.N.B to have equal pay & equality in health issues. #repealthe8th #FeministsAreEverywhere.

— Lucy Keaveney (@Luighseach) June 6, 2017

Glad to support @NWCI campaign – because feminism is about equality #FeministsAreEverywhere

— Ivana Bacik (@ivanabacik) June 6, 2017

I’m a feminist cos I believe people should be paid for the work they do based on experience & qual. Not gender. #feministsareeverywhere

— Orla (@orlabaz) June 6, 2017

I’m a feminist because I know girls & women have to battle harder & longer for what men take for granted. @nwci #FeministsAreEverywhere https://t.co/CxnypQ8y9B

— Aodhán Ó Ríordáin (@AodhanORiordain) June 6, 2017

“When we talk about gender inequality, there can be a little bit of disinterest and the belief that all is well, but that is certainly not the case,” Senator Aodhán O’Ríordáin told the Seanad recently. And we could not agree more.

So, when people say they’re a feminist, it’s because there is still a lot more work to be done, and changing the mindset is the first step.

There are plenty of feminists here in the Her office, and this is why:

“I’m a feminist because what else would I be? I love men, I love women and I want us to be the same. Simples.”

“I’m a feminist because I am an avid participant of the ‘Free the Nip’ movement!”

“I’m a feminist because why wouldn’t I believe women should be treated equal to men? Feminist is sometimes seem as a negative, that you must hate men or believe women are superior. But that’s not the case. I am entitled to be treated equally to a man – not better, not worse, just equal.”

“I’m a feminist because it I’m just no good at making sandwiches.”

“I’m a feminist because it’d be cool to have a daughter who never had to fight for gender equality.”

“I’m a feminist because I think it’s so important that as women we work with each other instead of against. Time after time, we’ve encountered and experienced everyday sexism and while eradicating that is a difficult process, it starts with the little everyday things like standing up for yourself in an argument and making your voice heard, even if it’s just amongst your peers.”

“I’m a feminist because I believe equal work should mean equal pay.”

“I’m a feminist because I believe men and women should be treated equally. It drives me mad when people assume all feminists are non-makeup wearing, aggressive, attention-seeking man haters. Feminists come in all shapes, sizes and genders. It’s about equality, nothing else. ”