Abstract

Feminism relies on the concept of gender equality. It calls for equal rights for women and men. Since time immemorial, the role of women was confined to their homes. It was a men’s world that finally defined the roles and activities of women. This research paper throws light on the inception of feminism as a concept in the western world. It further talks about the arrival of feminism in India during the eighteenth century and the role of the eminent male reformers, who actively supported women for their rights to life, education, economic independence and participation in the freedom movement. Further, it talks about the social norms associated with manhood and how those impact the conditioning of a male child to become a gender-biased individual in the future. The research also talks about instances, where men were fully involved in protesting against the government or the administration to gain justice for women. On the other hand, a significant number of men are also comfortable with the status quo and are not willing to swap the roles of men and women in order to achieve an equilibrium, when it comes for domestic responsibilities. The research primarily gives instances that in multiple occasions, there were significant contributions by men for uplifting the status of women. In other words, feminism could be achieved with equal contributions by men. Several sociological parameters are blocking the path for a gender balanced society.

Key words: gender equality, Feminism, equal rights