Feminism, what does it mean?
It is an ideology , a movement started to give women all around the globe the respect and rights they deserve. Men and women are moulded by Allah with the same clay. He didn’t change the formula or the ratio of ingredients while creating mankind. Women should be fed , brought up and educated in the same way that men are. They have the right of freedom of speech. They should be able to express themselves without the fear of being struck down and rejected on the basis of their gender. Equal opportunities should be presented to both men and women. This is what a woman should fight for, her right to live her life freely and with dignity.

Going back in time, for centuries women were deprived of the basic human rights. They were disrespected and overpowered by men. Killed and abused because they were thought to be feeble and spineless. But then came Islam, the religion that gave women the respect and honour they deserve. Islam highlighted a woman’s importance as a mother, sister, wife and daughter.
Islam also defined her obligations and though men and women are equal as human beings, it is clearly stated in the holy verses of Quran that men were made stronger, sharper, more decisive and superior to women because it is their duty to provide for, and protect their families. As it is stated :-
“Men are in charge of women by [right of] what Allah has given one over the other and what they spend [for maintenance] from their wealth.”
Surah 4:34
This means men have a right over women but in no ways does it mean that they are allowed to abuse their rights.
Men without women and women without men can never form a progressive society. They complement each other and maintain a balance.
The founder of our nation Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah addressed the crowd in Aligarh :
No nation can rise to the height of glory unless their men and women are side by side. We are the victims of evil customs. It is a crime against humanity that our women are shut within the four walls of their houses as prisoners. There is no sanction anywhere for the deplorable condition in which our women have to live.

But is the world fighting for women or diverting them from their path ?
Is it okay to undermine men’s authority where it is given to them by Allah, under the disguise of feminism?
Is it okay for women to forget their purpose and priorities just to be called a feminist?
To forgo their families and self respect just to have a successful career.?
Should men be condemned for showing courtesy towards women by calling it sexist?
There is nothing wrong with being an active member of society, to learn and implement your knowledge. But to what extent?
When a job become more than a job and your life revolves around your career, is it wrong to take a step back and look at the big picture?
To see what being a career oriented woman turned your life into?
How many trustworthy people are in your life?
Being able to stand on your own feet doesn’t mean you have to be alone. Being dependent on others at times is not humiliating nor does it lower your value or self respect, it means you have more friends than most.
So why not maintain a balance and not turn the good word feminism into the evil of extremism.
Give each gender the respect and honour they deserve and instead of stepping on each others toes, know your duty and do it well.