There are many different ways to go about feminism, but it can be hard to instill it into your actions if there isn’t a controversial discussion or protest going on. If you consider yourself a feminist but are unsure how to incorporate feminism into your everyday life, Valley’s got you covered. Here are six ways to live as a feminist in your day-to-day life.
Encourage the women around you.
Help your roommate prep for her job interview. Help your best friend figure out how to deal with a workplace issue. Give the women in your life supportive pep talks every chance you get. This concept extends to the idea of not passing disproportionate judgement on women: i.e., don’t slut-shame. If we don’t start by treating ourselves as equals to men, how can we expect the rest of the world to do the same?
Don’t apologize for yourself.
Some people have a tendency to apologize for everything little thing – being in the way, not having enough makeup on, wearing the wrong shoes, breathing, existing, etc. When women talk themselves down like this, it reinforces the idea that women are inferior. For more on this, check out our article “Sorry Not Sorry.”
Own your accomplishments.
There is a time and a place for humbleness and modesty, but the Spring Career Fair is not it. In a professional setting, it’s important to know how to proudly state your accomplishments. You’re not bragging – you’ve done cool stuff that’s worth mentioning.
Check out this video by beauty and lifestyle vlogger Louise Pentland. She’s an author and a UN ambassador, so she knows a thing or two about being an accomplished lady, but even she struggles to own her hefty resume from time to time. In the video, she discusses the struggles and importance of being able to proudly state the things you have accomplished both professionally and personally.
Educate yourself.
While every microaggression women encounter is a serious problem and a valid reason for concern, it’s also important for feminists to be knowledgeable about extreme issues that women are facing both in the US and globally. Horrific experiences including rape, human trafficking and genital mutilation are terrifying realities for some women, and as feminists, it’s our responsibility speak for those who cannot and affect change.
Go after your goals.
Sophomore animal science major Molly Hensley is going the extra mile to ensure she stands out in a male-dominated field.
“Livestock nutrition is predominantly male,” says Hensley. “For the company where I interned over the summer, there were no female nutritionists.”
She is amping up her game in order to compete with her male counterparts.
“Professionals in the field have told me that old, male farmers won’t listen to a woman with a bachelor’s degree,” she says. “So I’m going to grad school.”
6. Make your voice heard.
Know that your opinion is valid. Know that your thoughts and ideas are valuable and worth contributing. Whether it’s class, a club meeting, a job interview or even just casual conversation, don’t take yourself out of the game. Speak your mind, make your voice heard, and just watch what happens after that.
It can be hard to know how to practice feminism in your daily life, but these tips can help make that accomplishment easier. The idea of feminism is continuously growing and expanding, and it’s important that you also lend a helping hand in striving for success.
