I vividly remember an experience in high school when I was part of the debate group. One day, our teacher decided to divide us into two teams based on gender, and the challenge was to defend which of them was “better.” The girls’ team presented arguments highlighting countless virtues and asserting, sometimes in a repetitive and nuanced way, that they didn’t need men to thrive.
I was in charge of writing the script that defended a different perspective for the boys’ team: the idea that, while men and women possess their own characteristics, neither intends to impose themselves on the other. My argument focused on what made us different, highlighting the importance of valuing diversity without falling into the trap of superiority. In the end, the boys won the debate. It wasn’t so much because my script was the most spectacular, but because the message we presented, based on argumentation and reflection, resonated more strongly. Curiously, none of the members of the opposing team dared to attribute our victory to our being men or point out any bias on the part of the teacher; they all understood that our approach had a deeper and more well-constructed basis. When I think about the divide between men and women, I think of that debate we won, but personally, I didn’t feel like a winner. The girls’ arguments that they didn’t need us touched me deeply because, deep down, I don’t think any man would say he doesn’t need women.
Today, looking back on that episode, I see in it a demonstration that feminism—in essence—is not a struggle exclusive to one gender, but rather a call for equity and mutual respect. Authentic feminism has been forged in the recognition of historical inequalities, but also in the conviction that the revolution for social justice was, and is, a shared struggle. Without the contribution of many committed men, the fight for equality would have been incomplete.
I can’t help but mention the names of men who, throughout history, have been pioneers in defending women’s rights and have promoted feminist thought:
John Stuart Mill: With his work The Subjection of Women, Mill argued for the emancipation of women, arguing that liberty and equality were fundamental to social progress.
Frederick Douglass: Although primarily recognized as an abolitionist, Douglass also supported the cause of women’s suffrage, understanding that the fight for equality must transcend all barriers.
Martin Luther King, Jr.: His vision of justice included a critique of all forms of discrimination. His ideals promoted a message of comprehensive equality that undoubtedly also embraced the cause of women.
There are many more men, because feminism is also a men’s struggle.
In my daily life, I practice what I call “common sense.” I like to help a woman, for example, carry her shopping bags, without the thought that she can’t handle it on her own. This attitude isn’t the result of protective machismo, but rather of genuine and collaborative respect. I firmly believe that recognizing and valuing our differences doesn’t mean establishing the superiority of one gender over another, but rather building bridges based on empathy and equity.
I’ve long believed that equity isn’t just about claiming rights, but also about assuming shared responsibilities. Today, women work as much as men, and it’s essential that society recognize that both genders must participate in building a home and a shared life. Sharing expenses isn’t just an economic issue; it’s a reflection of mutual respect and the understanding that independence shouldn’t be an excuse to evade responsibilities.
I’ve been shocked to hear some voices that, in the name of feminism, boast that they are better than men. The curious thing is that, at the same time, they reject the idea of sharing expenses or responsibilities within a couple. I don’t understand how one can praise equality but at the same time demand that men assume the exclusive role of provider. This contradiction leads me to question whether, at times, the pursuit of equity is confused with an attitude that, rather than strengthening, weakens the true meaning of equality. The reality is that both men and women have the capacity and the obligation to contribute in all aspects of life as a couple and in society. It’s unfair to demand that one fulfill a traditional role without recognizing that, in today’s world, both must contribute to the daily effort. I’ve come to the conclusion that the true revolution in equality lies in common sense: in recognizing that, although each of us is different, we both contribute to building a more just and balanced environment.
Then there are those women who, at times, engage in protest in ways that, from my perspective, are counterproductive. When they choose to ostentatiously display their bodies or write on walls with messages that, in the end, contribute little, I feel they run the risk of denigrating themselves. It’s not about repressing free expression, but rather reflecting on whether these attitudes truly contribute to the cause of equality or, on the contrary, weaken the message that should be united in a collective effort for equity. Just look at how, after a symbolically charged protest, someone shows up the next day to clean up the mess. They are almost always men who clean the streets or repaint the walls, symbolizing that true commitment is not based on isolated gestures, but on responsible and continuous action.
I’ve always believed that equality isn’t about forcing anyone to be something they don’t want to be, but rather about opening paths for everyone to choose the role that best suits their talents and aspirations. But it’s no coincidence that today we see women excelling in leadership and management roles. I know many businesswomen who, leading teams composed mostly of men, have demonstrated that success doesn’t depend on performing tasks associated with physical effort, but rather on the ability to identify opportunities, manage resources, and work with determination. This trend doesn’t mean that physical labor lacks value; it’s simply the expression of a freedom of choice in which each person is oriented toward what most aligns with their abilities and goals. At the end of the day, what truly counts is the commitment to daily effort, perseverance, and knowing how to take advantage of the resources and opportunities that arise. The key to success, both in the business world and in life, is knowing how to position yourself in the right place and work hard. I often hear speeches lamenting the supposed lack of opportunities for women, but in my experience and that of those I admire, change begins with the personal decision to seek out and create those opportunities. So when I hear a woman say she doesn’t have the same opportunities because of her gender, I think it’s just excuses and justifications. Men have it just as difficult, and those who excel in the corporate world never excuse themselves for losing a promotion because their competition was a pretty girl in a short skirt.
One of the issues that has most caught my attention is that many current feminists seem unaware of the legal framework that already favors women in many ways. I’ve had the opportunity to speak with female lawyers and legal experts, and the vast majority do not identify with radical feminism. Why? Because they understand how the laws work and know that in many cases, legislation already offers women privileges in matters such as child custody, employee benefits, and certain legal provisions that protect women more than men in specific situations. In the pursuit of true equality, it’s essential to recognize that men also need protection under the law. In issues such as child custody, false accusations, or domestic violence, legislation and society in general have tended to automatically favor women, without considering that men can also be victims and deserve the same guarantees of justice. Equality doesn’t mean tipping the scales to one side, but rather ensuring that everyone is treated fairly under the law.
I’ll state a fact, but it’s my opinion: current feminism, rather than seeking equality, seeks to establish an ideology. Current feminism isn’t so different from communism. And in fact, many current feminists consider themselves communist sympathizers. Which speaks volumes about the ignorance that still exists in this century. Sexism is also a symptom of ignorance.
Classical feminism was based on the idea of equality, understanding that men and women are different, but deserve the same opportunities and rights. It was never about a battle between the sexes, but about justice. However, the feminism we see today has changed. And not for the better.
Today, feminism has adopted radical positions, moving away from its original purpose. Instead of focusing on equal rights, it has taken a course where gender identity seems to be more important than real equality.
Nowadays, in many discourses, masculinity is seen as a problem. “Patriarchy” is spoken of as a structure that must be destroyed, rather than correcting specific inequalities. Previously, feminism sought to include women in spaces where they had no access. Today, in some sectors, the message is completely different: men are the enemy, and women must overcome them, not coexist on equal terms with them.
True feminism championed women’s freedom to choose their own path without judgment. But today’s feminism criticizes those who choose to assume traditional roles, such as being a homemaker, as if they were less valuable for doing so. It has become a movement that not only fights for rights but also imposes ways of thinking and living.
This new feminism doesn’t teach women to be self-sufficient through their own merits, but rather pushes them to see themselves as eternal victims. Instead of inspiring hard work and excellence, it promotes complaining and confrontation.
I’m not saying this to provoke. I say it because I believe in true equality. I defend feminism, but real feminism. The kind that seeks opportunities for all without devaluing anyone. The kind that doesn’t hate, doesn’t judge, and doesn’t fall into double standards.
In the end, the question that remains is simple: Is current feminism really benefiting women in any way?
Think about that.
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