Instead of Feminism, Why Not Humanism?

Over the years, I have tried to understand the concept of feminism and why it remains such a debated and often divisive topic. I have heard men say they cannot be with a feminist. I have seen women labelled as "pick me" simply because they disagree with certain feminist views. I have also seen men who support feminism insulted and disregarded, while some women openly reject it as well.

I took a course in school last semester out of curiosity titled Gender and Communication. The lecturer introduced the course by explaining the concept of gender and communication. I came to understand that being male or female is not only biological but is also shaped by society, where what is accepted or unaccepted in terms of behaviour is influenced by social expectations. Gender roles, therefore, can be learned and taught through different theories such as Social Learning Theory, Psychodynamic Theory, and Cognitive Development Theory, among others.

Eventually, we were taught about feminism, which is a movement and set of ideas that advocates for the social, economic, and political equality of the sexes, with a major focus on addressing historical and ongoing gender inequalities. We were also taught the different types of feminism and their meanings, which include Liberal Feminism, Radical Feminism, Eco-feminism, Marxist Feminism, and Socialist Feminism, among others. Although they differ in their approaches and explanations of inequality, they all share a common goal of challenging gender-based discrimination and promoting equality.

I have never had issues with feminism as a young lady; however, it is often misunderstood or difficult to identify with in some contexts, especially in this part of the world. It is important to clarify that feminism is sometimes wrongly associated with attitudes that express hatred toward men and other ideas that do not align with its original purpose. However, such attitudes do not represent feminism. Feminism is not about hatred of men; rather, it is about equality. A person who expresses hatred toward men would more accurately be described as a misandrist, not a feminist, just as a man who expresses hatred toward women would be described as a misogynist.

Feminism is not an avenue to promote selfish agendas; it is a movement that should carry everyone along. Instead of reducing it to "women supporting women," why not encourage men supporting women and women supporting men, with everyone supporting one another? That is the essence of coexistence and togetherness.

This brings me back to my question: instead of constantly debating labels, why not embrace a broader principle of humanism? If the ultimate goal is fairness, dignity, respect, and equal opportunities for all, then perhaps our focus should be on our shared humanity. Rather than seeing gender as a dividing line, we can recognize that both men and women face unique challenges and that meaningful progress comes when we work together, support one another, and strive for a society that values every human being.

Feminism is experienced differently in every country because societies have different cultures, traditions, laws, and systems. Feminism in Nigeria has been a controversial topic, often surrounded by misconceptions; however, the reality is that we cannot ignore the issues it raises. As a country, we have transitioned to a certain level of social development, but it would be inaccurate to claim that inequality and discrimination no longer exist. In many cases, they still persist in subtle and less obvious forms.

Therefore, it is important to distinguish between feminism as a social movement for equality and individuals who may wrongly use the term to express personal biases that do not align with its original meaning. As Chimamanda Adichie famously said, “We should all be feminists.” In the same spirit, I would also suggest that we should all be humanists, embracing a broader call to shared humanity, equality, and mutual respect.