Are ALL Women Feminists by Default?

This question is in response to some comments I’ve received following a recent article

Photo by That's Her Business on Unsplash

Some members believe being a feminist is not a default for all women. This genuinely surprised me.

Here’s the article:

Things Women Do (or Don’t Do) that Spit in the Face of Feminism

I do have to acknowledge that some women will identify as anti-feminist. That’s their choice, of course. However, I would argue that you’re either feminist or anti-feminist because what would being in-between look like?

This is not to say that every women wants to openly or actively wear the label. Yet, surely, most women agree with the feminist view that women should not be disadvantaged because of their gender? Right?

I assumed being called a feminist was empowering, but am I alone in this thought?

Therefore, I’m asking the genuine question: Are ALL women feminists by default (unless they actively choose to be anti-feminist)?*

*This is inclusive of anyone who identifies as a woman. Let’s be allies, not enemies.

Please share your thoughts in the comments as I would like to gain a greater insight into how women feel about the idea of being a feminist.

I will treat all responses respectfully and I hope fellow members will do the same.

Thank you in advance!

Rachel Palmąka Mace is a literary fiction and creative non-fiction writer, singer, artist, spoken word performer, lapsed academic, and feminist. She is the editor of the feminist-led magazine Subtle Sledgehammer and her new project ‘Around the World with 80 Women’ (AW80W) – which shares the narratives of women from Somalia to Scotland – will be published in Autumn 2023.

Rachel Palmąka Mace is writing articles on Medium

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