In the last decade, women across the world have been raising their voices against inequality and prejudice that has filtered through years of government regimes and societal standards. Over time, women’s movements have been gaining more support and popularity, as society has started lifting the mask on gender stereotypes, rape culture, gender-based violence, and reclaiming a position of power in communities and politics.
Women’s March Los Angeles Foundation founder and organizer, Emiliana Guereca have been at the frontline since the 2016 presidential election. Being an active veteran for the fight for equal rights for women of color, Latinx and the LGBTQ community has given her traction to be a thought leader for modern-day feminism.
Although Guereca was brought up in a middle-class family on the South Side of Chicago, she has built a career, advocating for those who have been left in the hands of an unjust government, battling the hardships of prejudice and gender stereotypes. We recently met with Guereca to hear why feminism in the modern age still matters.
It has, and always be an important movement for all women in the world.
America shares a melting-pot of cultures and at the turn of the decade, the advocacy for equal gender rights in society and the workplace has become an important element that has yet been solved.
“I look at the advancements we as women have made in the last 100 years. In 1920, white women received the right to vote, although black women were only allowed to vote since the adaption of the 1965 Voting Rights Act, women have been giving attention to those issues society has overlooked for years.”
Younger women are becoming more involved.
According to statistics from The Conversation.com, younger females are becoming more involved in modern feminism and feminist movements. A 2017 poll by Plan International revealed that 43% of 18 to 34-year-old women are happy to call themselves feminists.
“Our schooling system is one of the most important channels which through young girls (and boys) can be exposed to important movements such as feminism. Women who support and empower each other speak out against oppression and inequality will light the road for future feminists.”
There is more work to be done.
“Women have managed to let their voices be heard, but there is still so much injustice, inequality, and prejudice that’s being filtered down into our system. Women of color are taking a stance and becoming leaders in their communities. It all starts small and lead up to bigger acquisitions.”
It’s a pro-active movement.
Feminism isn’t the only important movement, other movements such as LGBTQ, Latinx, Black Lives Matter and #tystnadtagning in Sweden have caught major attention in recent years.
“Feminism has been around for decades, it’s one of the first known movements fighting for equality and women’s rights. Our modern world is quickly adapting and realizing some many other movements and issues need to be settled before we can call ourselves a purely democratic and liberal nation.”
Feminism is a global movement.
Many developing nations around the world have now also caught traction in their efforts to support feminist movements. In South Africa, the Women’s Organizations and Democracy Contesting Authority (2006) study led by Shireen Hassim placed focus on the political transition and the liberation struggle for women. More so, Kathleen Fallon wrote in her 2008 book, Democracy and the Rise of Women’s Movements in Sub-Saharan Africa places analyses on the issues of women in democratization processes in Africa.
“Nations around the world are rethinking women’s role in society and politics. When a nations’ leaders value the voice and opinion of a woman, that’s when feminism has made an impact.”
Growing support
“In January 2017, nearly 5 million women across the U.S. took to the streets to have their voices be heard. Women are supporting the movements and cause that’s revealing the underlying issues that have been washed off by big politics. Again in 2018, 103 women were voted into Congress, the highest ever, although this isn’t directly connoted to feminism, it can have a substantial impact on other women. When women start seeing other women in places of power, it makes it more attainable for them.”
For more information about the Women’s Marche LA Foundation visit their website, https://www.womensmarchfoundation.org/
