Who needs feminism? Male or female? Woman or man? Feminism is often cited as “girls only field”. Yet, it may not be true. Feminism’s main focus (regardless its so-called waves) is on women’s empowerment. It empowers women not to be dependent and submissive. It empowers women to be strong. It challenges the myth of women’s subordination. It is all about women, yes it is true. But can’t men participate? What’s the role of men in feminism? Why should men study feminism?

For so long, feminism has been used as a tool to challenge patriarchy. So, why don’t we put it in reverse? Why don’t we let men study about feminism and learn about women’s “suffering”. I am a male and I studied feminism. I may not be able to feel how it is to be a woman. But I study how to become a better man with feminism. I may not be a feminist, but surely I have feminist awareness.

Before I learned feminism, I unconsciously performed sexist jokes or utterances. I often disregard women for their ‘weak’ nature. I perceived all of those women’s stereotypes that I thought were ‘normal and natural’. I had no idea that I was a sexist! Feminism really changed the way I think now.

Men need feminism! It is true. Men should study feminism so that they do not perceive anything that disregards someone based on sexuality as natural. Men should study feminism so that they can be ‘equal’. What does it mean? At home, women are entitled with household chores. Why can’t men do it? I wash my dishes now. I iron my clothes now. At the public, I support a woman who runs to be a leader of an organization if she really has the quality. I do not judge someone by sex. When I watch tv, I start to feel offended by sexist images. I now unconsciously have this awareness. I do all of this, even though I am a male. Do you think that these jobs are women’s only job?

Men need feminism, thus there will be men feminist as many writers in this title. I honor them for calling themselves as men feminist. However, it is actually not important whether to have that feminist label on someone. What important is to have the feminist consciousness and awareness so that we men, will take an oath not to perform any sexist conducts in all of its forms. I believe that this is a ‘better man’.