I don’t like the question “Are you a feminist?”

Why?

Because it should never be needed. Everyone should consider themselves a feminist. The default belief should be in equality.

And that’s what feminism is. Merriam Webster defines feminism as “the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes.”

But many people are afraid to “declare” themselves a feminist because of the negative connotation it has developed. As Taylor Swift said in an interview with The Guardian, “As a teenager, I didn’t understand that saying you’re a feminist is just saying that you hope women and men will have equal rights and equal opportunities. What it seemed to me, the way it was phrased in culture, society, was that you hate men. And now, I think a lot of girls have had a feminist awakening because they understand what the word means. For so long it’s been made to seem like something where you’d picket against the opposite sex, whereas it’s not about that at all.”

Swift wasn’t the only celebrity who voiced this opinion; Emma Watson shared similar points in her speech before the UN on behalf of the He for She campaign. “The more I’ve spoken about feminism, the more I have realized, that fighting for women’s rights has too often become synonymous with man hating. If there is one thing I know for certain, it is that this has to stop,” Watson said.

I couldn’t agree more.

But it still is happening. Recently, accounts on social media have become popular that have declared themselves “men’s rights activists.” However, these accounts’ main purpose seems to be mocking feminists. The popularity of these accounts brings about the opposite of what feminists work for and discourages many young girls from considering themselves a feminist.

So why do I think we need feminism?

Because women still only make 77 cents for every dollar that a man makes. I believe in equal pay for equal work, and I don’t think that we should rest until that has been accomplished.

Because the phrase “like a girl” is still considered an insult.

Because even as an athlete and long time sports fan, I have to carefully think before I say anything about sports in public because I know if any tiny detail is wrong, I will be written off as knowing nothing about it and my opinion will no longer be taken seriously.

Because no girl should ever feel limited because of her gender, but rather, should be empowered by it.

What can you do?
Visit http://www.heforshe.org/ and take the pledge to take action against the forms of discrimination and violence faced by women and girls.

Visit http://www.always.com/en-us/likeagirl.aspx and share the amazing things you do #likeagirl.