Achieving Rights for All Women and Girls through Feminist Approach

Over the years, systemic inequalities persist, making it critical for rethinking of a feminist approach to achieving a just and equal world for women and girls. Feminism is an approach that provides a framework for women to reclaim their power, challenge entrenched gender norms, and assert their rights, whilst addressing the need for men to reflect on and redefine their roles in the fight for gender justice. This approach transforms societal attitudes and actively dismantle structures that oppress women, men, and gender non-conforming individuals alike.

There is a misconception that feminism is about women’s rights and this is true in many African cultures where traditional gender norms and patriarchal structures have dominated societal systems for centuries. Feminism is about dismantling all forms of oppression to ensure equality for everyone, regardless of their gender identity. This approach is rooted in the belief that we must collectively address power imbalances in all spheres of life, from politics to the economy, to ensure equitable access to resources, gender equality and rights for all.

Additionally, feminism embraces the idea of openness that allows discussions on gender justice, recognizing that solidarity is key in addressing the diverse ways in which women experience oppression. For years, women and girls, particularly in Africa, continue to face systemic obstacles that hinder their access to opportunities. This imbalance is not only a denial of basic human rights but a significant barrier to social and economic progress. Feminism provides a platform for advocating for universal access to comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services, including contraception, safe abortion, maternal health care, and education on reproductive rights.

It's through a feminist approach where women and girls are not only empowered to make choices about their bodies but also that they are provided with the information and services they need to make informed decisions. Recently, in Kenya especially where gender-based violence, early marriage, and childbearing remain rampant, young advocates are challenging restrictive laws and harmful social norms that undermine women’s ability to access essential services.

For decades, women have long been excluded from key positions of power. Globally, approximately 26% women hold political offices according to the Women in Politics 2023 Map. This suggests that women are more likely to experience poverty, lack access to education, and are underrepresented in decision-making spaces. Due to the unequal distribution of power and resources, women are left vulnerable to exploitation and abuse, further perpetuating cycles of inequality. This, for instance, was experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic that exacerbated these disparities, thus emphasizing the critical role women play in global health systems leaving them more vulnerable to the virus and to domestic violence, which surged during lockdowns. The pandemic illuminated the urgent need for feminism to address the challenges women face, but the violence and discrimination against women did not start with the pandemic. Globally, women and girls face violence in many forms including intimate partner violence, forced marriage, female genital mutilation, or sexual assault.

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However, we need to be cognizant that gender cannot be achieved in isolation, rather other factors also shape experiences of oppression; race, class, disability, sexuality, and religion all intersect to deepen the discrimination women face. For example, women with disabilities are significantly more likely to experience domestic violence than those without disabilities. Similarly, women living in poverty face even greater challenges in accessing education, healthcare, and legal protection.

Feminism therefore recognizes the diverse and intersecting ways that women experience oppression, to enable them to build strategies that work for all women, and not just for those who fit a narrow definition of “empowered.” This means recognizing the specific needs of women in rural areas, women with disabilities, young women, and those from marginalized communities, ensuring that they are not left behind in the fight for gender justice.

Achieving rights for all women and girls in all their diversity is an urgent, collective mission which can be attained by pushing for the necessary changes in laws, policies, and practices that will create a world where women and girls are free from violence, discrimination, and poverty. Feminist approach transforms systems of oppression and creates spaces where women and girls can fully enjoy their rights, live lives of equality, dignity, access opportunity and realize their potential.

Societies must recognize that when women and girls are empowered, all of humanity benefits. We must continue to fight for a world where the rights of every woman and girl are upheld, respected, and celebrated.

Ms. Kathia is a human rights defender and a communications specialist.