Addressing the topic of feminism in the 21st century is anything but trivial. At Golden Indigo, we are neither a political movement nor an activist space. But because our platform defends strong values—respect, freedom of being, inclusivity—we feel it is essential to clarify certain concepts that are currently debated or confusing by publishing this article to inform and encourage reflection.

Feminism is a movement that emerged gradually from the end of the 18th century, then became structured in the 19th and 20th centuries, originally bringing together women fighting for equality and the recognition of their fundamental rights, long violated by patriarchal systems and ancient traditions.

Over time, being a feminist has become more popular, and the word has become, in common culture, a symbol of equality between the sexes. Hence the famous question: "Are you a feminist?"

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Initially, feminism "rightly" brought to light the crucial importance of equality between men and women. More recently, this struggle has expanded to include battles related to gender and identity.

But this development raises a question. Why? Because what initially concerned women's rights has grown to such an extent that everyone, regardless of gender, is now expected to identify as "feminist".

Yet, even if we support equality and human rights, can we truly call ourselves "feminists" if we are not women? This confusion is common. However, by definition, feminism is rooted primarily in the lived experience of women, which is not universal, contrary to what one might think. And trying to appropriate this term for everyone sometimes muddles the original message.

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Furthermore, this movement, aptly named and serving a public purpose in raising collective awareness, has grown and gained momentum. Unfortunately, a segment of the movement has become distorted, giving rise to an extremist fringe that, in the name of feminism, seeks to impose a radical system, going so far as to exclude, or even emasculate, men by promoting a matriarchal system. This system, in reality, is hardly better than the much-maligned patriarchy and, despite itself, becomes the exact opposite of the equality it claims to defend.

It is this radicalism, embraced by some women, that has gradually discredited the movement, diverting a magnificent cause—that of equality—into a struggle for domination.
From victims, some have become the very perpetrators they denounced, pointing the finger at certain chauvinistic and misogynistic men.

Yet, neither misandry nor misogyny are solutions. Nor can a patriarchal or matriarchal system advance equality. These ways of thinking fuel and perpetuate hatred on both sides. Patriarchy and matriarchy seem to be completely outdated, and this struggle and desire for belonging to a just cause seems today to constantly seek conflict in an endless battle between women and men to determine "who will have the upper hand.".

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So yes! Let's be FOR equality under the law. But let's not forget that the feminist movement was conceived by and for oppressed women, and therefore belongs, first and foremost, to women. But let's be AGAINST ultra-feminist, misandrist, or male-hating women who, despite themselves, become the misogynistic monsters they claim to fight. (And vice versa for the ideology of masculinism.)

Two ideologies, where passions clash and tear each other apart, both create serious civilizational fractures between genders. Fractures that bring only disorder, contempt, and confusion, where what we need is understanding and lasting solutions between women and men

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Today, we feel it's important to emphasize that some women and men have forgotten that every person is different and unique. So no… not all women and men are the same! And yes! There are still empathetic and respectful women and men. No one should have to justify themselves or pay for the crimes or actions of another or of a bygone era.

Let's begin by living, working, sharing, and reflecting together, based on the same values. This is probably the most promising path toward a fairer, more united world. Regardless of our gender, appearance, body, or beliefs, let's learn to recognize our emotions, affirm our values, and build a genuine sense of community founded on respect for our differences. Because after all… no one needs to replace another. We simply need to listen to each other better in order to complement each other better. Perhaps that is the best answer. And you? What do you think?

Don't misunderstand.

One thing is certain: feminism must exist, for one simple reason: no freedom should ever be taken for granted. However, it is also essential to place this struggle in its context and to differentiate between what it truly means to be a feminist… and what it is not. It is equally important to denounce those who seek to tarnish this noble cause and who portray true feminists as hateful—which they are not.

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This article aims to reiterate our zero-tolerance towards all forms of misandry and misogyny on our platform. But make no mistake. At Golden Indigo, while we promote tolerance, we know the difference between being tolerant and being permissive. To tolerate is neither to infringe upon the freedom of others, nor to impose on others a truth that merely reflects your opinions, not reality.

We also want to shed light on certain problematic trends that you may already be aware of: those of some women who misappropriate feminism to create a radical struggle, but also those of some men who, under the guise of masculinism, cultivate hostility towards women or reject any notion of equality. These extremes, whether misandrist or misogynistic, only serve to distance the debate from its initial objective: to foster constructive dialogue between genders, based on mutual respect, and to work towards a society founded on equal rights and opportunities.