GROWING IN A WORLD WHERE WE ARE                  EXPECTED TO SHRINK

Some worlds are not given to us ready; we are only told how much space we can take. Others decide how much we speak, what we wear, and what we learn. You may notice that in society, especially for young girls, we always hear phrases from families like: "Don't attract too much attention," "Be quiet," "don't wear that," "You are a girl, you can't do this," or "You can't go there". Sometimes these are said with good intentions, as warnings for the girl to be 'Polite'. However, over time, these warnings turn into an invisible frame; staying inside this is often seen as being "Moral" and "Appropriate".  

These so-called warnings start at a young age and are taught to our girls. Then, they become social perceptions and habits, passed from generation to generation. These perceptions turn into fixed patterns, and patriarchal society tries to push all women and girls into these boxes. This has happened throughout history and continues today. Pressure against women is not limited to the present day. When we look at the past, we realize that growing up in a world where we are expected to shrink is not just a personal experience, but a repeating social situation.

 For example, when we look at Europe—which is now known for its laws on civilization and equality —we see that in the Middle Ages, women were often kept away from education, the right to speak, and many basic rights. Women who did not follow the social rules were labeled as "dangerous" or "inappropriate," and some were even unfairly blamed and punished during witch hunts. Women who tried to have a voice, tried to make themselves heard, or wanted to learn and develop themselves were sentenced to cruel punishments in the past. Perhaps women who could have made great inventions or had ideas to move the world forward were burned, stoned, or executed just because they did not fit social perceptions. This shows that people wanted to control not only women's behavior but their existence. In the past, many women who wanted to exit, women's participation in public life and their rights to education and work were restrist turned into ashes.  

Similar pressures were seen not only in Europe but also in many parts of Asia. For example, in some societies, girls' access to education was limited for many years, and early marriages became common. In parts of South Asia and the Middle Eascted at various times. These examples show a common understanding across different geographies that narrows the space for women.  

Wherever we look in history, women have always been belittled and ignored. Although many rights have been won today, social expectations have not completely disappeared. Belittling still happens, and women are still kept behind in society. Unfortunately, in some parts of the world, women are insulted, hidden, and looked down upon. At this exact point, feminism comes into play.

💜What is Feminism?

 It is a movement that started in France in the 18th century by philosophers and female writers. Later, it found supporters in every society. It argues that women should be equal to men in terms of political and social rights and tries to achieve this. Generally, feminism explains a way of perception and a political status, while also expressing a specific way of thinking and living. Feminism is often misunderstood as "an ideology that tries to show women as superior to men". However, the only goal here is to keep women and men equal under the law and in terms of the rights they have. Feminism does not criticize anyone, keep anyone behind, or look down on anyone. Feminism is a political and social movement with the goals of "equality of rights, human dignity, and the freedom for women to make their own decisions". Feminism aims to change society so that the pressure of gender roles ends and gender attitudes have the same value.

The emergence of feminism is not a coincidence; the inequalities women faced throughout history prepared the ground for this thought. Judgments about how women should speak, dress, or react still exist. To give a small example: a woman's anger is often seen as "exaggeration," while the same reaction in a man can be interpreted as determination. This situation can cause women to act more cautiously when expressing themselves. However, the main goal of feminism is to create a society where women and men have equal rights and no one is left behind because of their gender. 

  💜Why Do We Need Feminism?

Feminism is not just about remembering past injustices; it is also a struggle for a fairer today and future. The mindset that tried to silence women throughout history has not completely disappeared today; it has only changed its form. In some countries and societies, it is still forbidden for women to leave the house without a man. Their education rights are restricted, and their communication with the world is cut off. This shows we still have a long way to go and many societies to change.

Today, many women can receive an education, work, and take part in public areas. Despite this, they still face expectations about how they should act, speak, and dress. This shows that equality will be possible not only through laws but through a change in mindset. Expanding the space for women in society means development for the whole society, not just for women. A society that holds women back puts its own future at risk. This is because progress is only possible when individuals can use their talents and intelligence freely. When women are more visible in education, science, art, and politics, and can express their ideas freely, social development speeds up. Therefore, feminism is not about exalting a specific group; it is an effort to build a fairer and more peaceful order for everyone. 

The phrase "Growing up in a world where we are expected to shrink" describes the common experience of many women all around the world. The limits taught from a young age start to be questioned over time. When women make their voices heard, defend their rights, and support each other, these limits slowly expand. Every new generation develops a bit more thanks to the struggle of those before them; they progress and become aware of their rights. Growing up in a world where women are expected to shrink can be difficult, but history has shown many times that change is possible. We must remember that true equality is possible only in a world where no one has to shrink.

Sham Alshekh Maslem

Source:

Donovan, Josephine. Feminist Theory. Istanbul: İletişim Publications. Turkish Language Association (TDK) – Definition of “Feminism” Oxford Reference. “History of Feminism”