With regards to my journey - I did not grow up in a particularly feminist household so to speak, it was more traditional, but it was always loving from both parents, and my mom always knew how to fix things haha. My parents were somewhat strict with me as a kid, which I now realize was actually an advantage because I did not really date or hang out too much 'on the corner' etc and I rather spent that time with family/friends or in my own. I dated very little in my twenties which I think is a huge contributing factor to my current mindset. I've always been independent and do not like to rely on people, something that has exacerbated by beliefs and lifestyle throughout my twenties.

My feminism means the right for women to choose, but to have the options available them and the full picture in order to do so. It's quite saddening to see many western women WANT to rely on men when we have many opportunities these days not to. But it is their right to choose, so I respect it. I also have the utmost resort for mothers, although I do not want children. I believe that women should stick up for each other, and childfree women should stick up for mothers too, because being a mother is a whole nother ballgame. I mainly care about less privileged women around the world who do not have the options not to marry/have kids/go to school.

My attitude towards men - I do not have a blanket belief that all are terrible people. I've known a few good ones including family members and friends. However, I believe and accept that because of a combination of biology and socialization, women need to be weary of them and always need to be assertive, etc, in order to not be pushed around by them, and to not ever rely on a man. I also don't believe that having kids with one will get a woman anywhere. Until men can get pregnant or artificial wombs are a thing, pregnancy/birth is just another spoke in the liberation of women.

A big personal experience that led me to stop believing in socialization and all the stereotypes about girls and women was chopping most of my hair off and not worrying about gender roles/looking feminine (but rather just looking however I wanted), and traveling solo. I realized that as women were always taught to be afraid, to reply on others (especially men) to do things. I was cautious and smart, and I had an amazing six month solo trip where I learned to rely on myself, be independent, be confident, etc. I believe that was my first foray into having a more feminist mindset.

I want other women to learn that they absolutely 100% can rely on themselves, that they can be independent and do not need a guy to hold them down. I want more women to take chances and be unapologetic about it, and to be courageous to do the things they want to. I realize this is extremely priveleged, and many girls around the world can't do that because of circumstances etc. For those girls, I want to fight for them to have such opportunities and I'm working towards a career to do that.

I think it's really important for young girls to do sports, to learn teamwork and sisterhood with other girls. I think it's very important for them to have the space to take chances and fall down and get hurt sometimes so they can learn strength, and for parents to encourage independence from girls. I also think it's incredibly important to stop spending too much time/money/resources and energy on things that focus only on looks like makeup/nails/heels/purses etc that are used to distract girls from spendig their teen years following their passions (or exploring them) and doing things that will help them find success later on.

I could go on and on and this is kind of all over the place so I apologize, but I'm looking forward to hear insights from all of you!