The Decline of Identification with Feminism: A Call to Action.
Paulina Segovia Candia (She/her/hers)
Interdisciplinary Professional contributing to building a fairer and more inclusive world | Experienced as Science Communicator, Gender Equality Expert, Programmer, Environmental Engineering (Ms)
In recent years, both in Spain and Chile, surveys have been conducted to evaluate the identification of the population with the feminist movement. In the case of Chile, the recent results of Encuesta Criteria are concerning, as they show a decrease in the identification with the feminist movement and in the perception of discrimination against women in Chile in the last three years, both in the total population and in the data disaggregated by sex, the decrease being greater among men. On the other hand, data from the study carried out in Spain indicate that 44.1% of the men surveyed believe that the promotion of equality has gone so far that they are now discriminated against. With these results, it is undeniable that the population's distance from feminism is increasing. So, what do we do? Because there is still a long way to go, and we are far from living in inclusive societies.
At Científicamente Mujeres, we strongly believe in the importance of building community among women and of making female role models more visible to increase their participation in scientific and technological areas. However, we also recognize the need to reflect on and act on the results of these surveys and other studies.
We understand and propose to address this issue, also considering how sexism and patriarchy impact all genders, not only the female ones. In relation to men, there are studies that demonstrate the detrimental effects that these power structures have on their lives, their mental and emotional health, as well as on their interpersonal relationships, their personal development, etc.
In this sense, it is essential that men become actively involved in gender equality, not only as allies but also by recognizing how these systems prevent them from having a fulfilled life. The same is true for Spanish women, where 81.2% of them say that “they will not achieve equality unless men also fight” for their rights.
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Collaboration and mutual support are fundamental to building a more just, equitable, and inclusive society. Together we can reverse this concerning trend and move towards true gender equality.