There should be no stigma attached to the concept of feminism

There is a post-feminist stigma attached to the word, it seems. Yet there should be no stigma attached to the concept.

As Maya Angelou said: ‘I’m a feminist. I’ve been female for a long time now. I’d be stupid not to be on my own side.’

Indeed, whatever happens in life, you’d be pretty daft not to be rooting for, and looking out for, number one.

I remember some time ago reading another famous woman’s take on this. Marginally less highbrow, forgive me, but Lady Gaga spoke sense when she suggested that ‘some women choose to follow men and some women choose to follow their dreams.

‘If you’re wondering which way to go, remember that your career will never wake up and tell you that it doesn’t love you any more.’

This was on social media and one female reactor said that it suggested you couldn’t trust your husband.

Frankly, that’s tosh. Plus, you could wake up and no longer love him.

Alternatively, you could be gay with a wife – but you’d still need to be able to support yourself.

Furthermore, why on earth wouldn’t you, in the 21st century, have some yearning for a purposeful career?

And, finally, if we are living in a society where little girls are still being brought up to believe that they must seek out and be looked after by a big old hunting and gathering man, then something has gone very awry between Emmeline Pankhurst and her fellow pioneers, who died for our liberty, and the women of today.

There is nothing sad about raising our daughters – and sons – in such a way that encourages independence and success, and an ability to provide personal happiness and stability.

Life is real; there’s no fairytale. Divorces happen and, tragically, people pass away.

But it’s easier to deal with life if you can be fully open to a beautiful relationship whilst also being able to support yourself – financially and emotionally.