I believe the original idea behind feminism wasn't bad. If we look at it from this perspective: over the years, men have had the opportunity to do everything, including controlling women's bodies and reproductive rights, while women had little to no rights. They were confined to the house and expected to serve men without a say in their lives. This unfair treatment gave rise to the feminist movement.
The first wave of feminism, emerging in the late 19th and early 20th century, granted women the right to vote and access to education and property rights, opening doors for women to explore their potential.
The second wave of the feminist movement, spanning the 1960s to the 1980s, broadened the focus to include workplace and family roles, as well as sexual and reproductive rights. During this wave, the Equal Pay Act of 1963 was passed, and women's empowerment organizations like the National Organization for Women (NOW) were established.
The third wave of feminism, beginning in the early 1990s, aimed to embrace diversity by addressing the intersection of race and gender and considering the diverse experiences of women of colour, LGBTQ+ women, and women from different socio-economic backgrounds.
The fourth and current wave of feminism, starting in the 2010s, focuses on raising awareness of issues such as sexual harassment, online misogyny, and body shaming. This wave also emphasizes amplifying the voices of marginalized groups.
While the feminist movement has brought about positive changes, there are downsides. Some women have abandoned traditional gender roles, such as cooking and taking care of the home, and have taken feminism to an extreme by claiming superiority over men. While others have no courtesy at all. This has made it difficult for some women to maintain relationships, as they seek to assume roles traditionally assigned to men.
Abeg, I want to have a balanced life. I want to receive gifts, be pampered, and enjoy the "baby girl" treatment. I also want to cook, clean, and take care of my family and kids. I strongly believe in women's independence, especially financial independence. But the current feminist movement, which involves discarding traditional gender roles and home training, I think I'll pass.