I consider myself a feminist. This does not mean I hate men. This does not mean I’m a crazy, bra burning woman. This does not mean I think women are superior. As a feminist I believe in equality. Equality of all genders. Equality of all people.

I consider myself a feminist because less than 40 percent of countries provide boys and girls with equal opportunities to education. Because one in three girls are forced into child marriages in low and middle income countries.

I consider myself a feminist because these aren’t only women’s rights; these are human rights.

I consider myself a feminist because men, too, face discrimination. Men receive 63 percent longer prison sentences than women for comparable crimes, and women are twice as likely to avoid incarceration. I consider myself a feminist because both sexes should be held accountable for their actions.

I consider myself a feminist. This doesn’t mean I think women should be more dominating and aggressive, but that men shouldn’t feel the need to be. Both men and women should be able to feel sensitive, fragile and insecure. And both men and women should be able to feel strong, confident, and proud. If men weren’t pressured to be controlling, women wouldn’t feel the need to be submissive. If men weren’t viewed as the powerful sex, women wouldn’t be viewed as the weak one. Gender equality is everyone’s issue; feminism is everyone’s issue.

I consider myself a feminist. This does not mean I think men should stop holding the door open or paying for the date. This means I think women should be able to treat their partners too. This means I think chivalry can be consensual. Would you mind if I held the door for you?

I consider myself a feminist. This doesn’t mean I refuse to wear makeup or shave. This doesn’t mean I hate dresses or the color pink. Being a feminist doesn’t mean I can’t be feminine.

I consider myself a feminist, don’t you?