Are you a feminist? I could answer this question with a firm “yes.”

However, it seems a vast majority are not only hesitant with an answer, but lack the understanding of what being a feminist means.  

Webster’s dictionary defines feminism as a political, social and ideological movement that has a goal: to achieve and establish political, economic and social equality of sexes. But even with such a detailed definition, there are still many misconceptions.

A lot of people are reluctant to call themselves feminist because they believe feminism is “female supremacy,” but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Feminist agenda isn’t to judge all men as sexist and chauvinist just on the basis of their gender. What they refute is the idea that man is superior to woman. Any “feminist” who hates men solely because they belong to the other gender is no feminist.

What many people are unaware of is that although feminism’s main g

oal is fighting for equal rights for women, it benefits men equally.

Feminism makes a large impact in the fight to end gender roles for all. It supports the idea of men not having to give way to the societal pressures of being the protector and the breadwinner as much as it advocates that women be allowed to break out of stereotypes.

On that note, many misinterpret that feminism says a woman who stays at home and raises a family is “oppressed.” Feminism respects a woman who has chosen to become a homemaker as much as it respects a woman who steps out into the corporate world.

Feminists are also equally accepting of men who choose to stay at home.

The most common and detrimental misconception is that men can not be feminists. If patriarchal men have been the main perpetrators of the very oppression, then it’s crucial for men to change the standard and start leading by example.

Real feminists respect every woman’s choice of who she wants to be, whether she wears a bikini or a burqa. Feminism is built on a foundation of freedom of choice and the belief to respect that person’s choice, whatever it may be.