Why I am a Feminist

I was born and raised in Pakistan. I was lucky enough to be of the privileged class, which meant I too got to enjoy many of the freedoms afforded to men, that didn't stop me from being molested, harassed and catcalled, though. it didn't mean I was any less scared of walking down a dark street alone, it didn't stop the blood from pumping in my ears, or the goose flesh prickling my skin each time I heard footsteps behind me. Every day I would hear or read of the atrocities visited upon women's bodies, souls and minds, and something inside me would break.

I am a feminist because I want to live in a world where no one ever questions what a person wears or where they choose to go, whatever time of day or night. Where everyone understands the meaning of consent, where violence is punished and the long arm of the law is swift and cannot be bought. Where you can choose your identity, your pronouns, your profession, your partners. Where your sexuality, the color of your skin or your religion is never used against you.

Maybe I am just a naive idealist, but it all starts with a vision and a desire to see change.