Memo to all humans:

Feminists just want equal rights for men and women.

Feminists don’t hate men.

Feminists don’t hate make up.

Feminists don’t think marriage is wrong or that women shouldn’t shave their legs.

Feminists don’t make any rules about how any woman should behave.

Feminists just want equal rights for men and women.

That’s it.

But, although it sounds like a relatively simple concept, a lot of women are confused about what it means to be a feminist. They reject feminism because they mistakenly believe that it has something to do with bra-burning and man-hating. And although having equal rights sounds like something every woman should root for, a lot of very confused ladies have found a community in the Women Against Feminism movement:

Hmmm, yes. You know what feminism doesn't do? Only respect one gender. Feminists believe that men and women should have equal rights.

Equality is not an 'everyday life problem'. Feminists believe that men and women should have equal rights.

Feminism dictates nothing about how a woman should dress. Feminists believe that men and women should have equal rights.

Feminism does not say men = pigs. Feminists believe that men and women should have equal rights.

Feminism does not say you can't make your boyfriend dinner. Feminists believe that men and women should have equal rights.

Giving equal rights to women doesn't take any rights away from men. Feminists believe that men and women should have equal rights.

Feminism is not about playing a victim. Feminists believe that men and women should have equal rights.

If you only want equality, then you are a feminist. Feminists believe that men and women should have equal rights.

No, you don't look oppressed. And that's thanks to feminism. Feminists believe that men and women should have equal rights.

Feminism doesn't demonise men, and it does not encourage women to falsely report rapes. It gives women the right to report them at all. (And even then, only 3 out of every 100 rapists are charged and punished.) Feminists believe that men and women should have equal rights.

Being a feminist does not make you a victim. Feminists believe that men and women should have equal rights.

If you believe in equality then you are a feminist. Feminists believe that men and women should have equal rights.

It’s easy to feel frustrated with these women. A lot of people have even called for the word ‘feminism’ to be changed to something with less ‘aggression’ and ‘stigma’ behind it, so that women like this won’t feel so alienated that they reject the movement altogether.

But we don’t need to change the word. Feminism is a great fucking word. Feminism got women the vote. Feminism made it legal for women to own their own homes. Feminism is the reason women can now order their own drink in a bar.

What needs to change are the people who don’t understand what feminism is and why we still need it. Because as far as feminism has pushed women forward, there is still a long way to go.

Australian women still earn approximately 80 cents for every 1 dollar earned by a man. Australian women only hold 8 per cent of board director positions despite making up over 50% of the population. Nearly one in five female Australians will experience sexual assault in their lifetime. And there is currently only one woman representing the country in the Australian cabinet. One. Woman.

WE. STILL. NEED. FEMINISM.

So answer this question:

Do you believe that men and women should have equal rights?

Yes? Congratulations, you are a feminist.

That’s all it takes. Because guess what? That’s all that feminism is. Feminism is the advocacy of women’s rights on the grounds of political, social and economic equality to men.

So no, we’re not going to change the word to something less aggressive. We’re not going to pretend that we aren’t feminists because it puts people off.

We should be proud to be feminists because of all that feminism has achieved, and excited to be feminists because of all that it will achieve.

So, to the women who are proud to be part of Women Against Feminism, we’re sorry you’re confused. We’re sorry you feel alienated and we hope one day you realise that the only reason you can hold those signs on the internet is because feminism gave you the right to do so. In the meantime, the rest of us will keep fighting for equality. For you, and every other woman you know.

Because feminism rocks. And we desperately need it.

Here’s why the Mamamia Team are feminists.

Lucy - Deputy Editor

Alyx - Editor of The Glow

Holly - iVillage Editor

Valentina - iVillage writer

Dimity - Office Manager

Sarah - Native Editorial Assistant

Nicky- Style & Beauty Editor

Elissa- Site Producer

Kate Leaver - Celebrity and Social issues Editor

Rosie - Rogue Editor

Grace - News Writer

Holly - iVillage Editor

Valentina - iVillage Site Producer

Only question left is, why do you need feminism?