TO ALL MALE FEMINISTS.

There has been a rise for male feminists in recent years. Men who unlike the norm come out to not only support women but also support them under the feminist umbrella one which has been painted negatively. The average man sees a feminist as a threat, this is mainly because the understanding and history of feminism have not yet hit home. The term feminism is described as the advocacy of women’s rights on the ground of the equality of the sexes. The feminist idea can be traced back to the 19th century when women in Newyork staged a parade to fight for their right to vote and own property. To most individuals, women coming out as feminists is seen as a threat.The modern feminist has been fought on a number of stages from her choice of dressing to her choice to remain childless or not walk down the aisle.

With this climate, its imperative to applaud male feminists. To recognise their efforts in supporting women and condemning fellow men when needed.To all male feminists asante but this is what you need to know. These men have been referred to as tempered radicals — they are seen as catalysts for change, challenging organizational structures that disadvantage women while remaining committed to the success of the organization.

1. Call out on your fellow men who either do not understand or try to shun feminism. You cannot claim to be an ally when basic acts that condemn feminism are perpetrated by your friends or tribe as pop culture refers to them. You are either in or out. As an ally, you have the responsibility to associate yourself with like minded individuals, who are on the same page as you. An ally has to not only empathize with the situation but
2. You are an ally period- Asante for coming on board but this is our fight and not yours. It is a common sight to see men applauded for basic actions like a tweet when it comes to women issues. The same issues that women have been fighting for since time immemorial. We really don't need a man to dominate this stage. Over-focusing on men in women’s events may ultimately strengthen rather than dismantle the gender hierarchy status quo something that we don't want.
3. Please, lean in hype-free. The last thing we need is a misogynist coming in full of unnecessary hype. A person who is only part of the movement for the show. One who in the selfie and Instagram era finds it cool to take pictures during rallies and protests all in the name of an ally. Sorry not sorry but this movement has been built on blood and sweat. It is on the backs of women like Winnie Mandela, Mekatilili Wa Menza among other amazing African women who fought for our representation. It is a movement, not a fad.
4. Educate yourself on Feminism and its importance to women. Gender-based violence, modern-day sex trafficking, physical assault among others are the issues that we as women face day today. With this burden on us, we surely don’t need a shallow man who will try to mansplain our issues or dominate them. What we need is someone who not only recognised the importance of feminism but also understands the difference in modern-day feminism. We need people who will be able to recognise that even though we are all women fighting for equality, women of colour and African women have been left far off hence their representation is of dire importance. As Martin Luther King once reflected, shallow understanding from people of goodwill is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will.