Why Being a Feminist Mum is Important: Raising Children with Feminist Principles

As a mum, we know you to raise your children to be kind, compassionate, and respectful human beings. But is it important for mothers to be feminists and raise their children with feminist principles? In this article, we will explore the reasons why mums should be feminists, the importance of raising children with feminist principles, and provide UK examples and expert quotes.

What is Feminism?

Feminism is a movement that advocates for the equal rights and opportunities for all genders. It is not about women being superior to men, but about creating a level playing field where everyone has the same opportunities to succeed. Feminism is about empowering women and promoting gender equality. It is important to note that feminism is not just for women but for everyone who believes in equal rights.

Why should mums be feminists?

Mums should be feminists because we are most often the primary caregivers and role models for our kids and as a result, we hold huge influence on their children. As a feminist mother, we can teach kids about equality, respect, and consent. We are able to positively raise them to be compassionate and empathetic human beings who understand the importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect.

According to Dr. Victoria Showunmi, a gender and education specialist at University College London, “Feminism is not just for women, it’s for everyone. As mothers, we have a responsibility to raise our children with feminist values, so that they grow up understanding the importance of gender equality and treating everyone with respect.”

Raising children with feminist principles

Raising children with feminist principles means teaching them about equality, respect, and consent. It means encouraging them to challenge gender stereotypes and promoting inclusivity. Here are some ways in which we can raise our kids with feminist principles:

Encourage critical thinking: Encourage your children to question gender stereotypes and challenge inequality. Teach them to think critically and question the status quo.

Promote inclusivity: Teach your children to celebrate diversity and promote inclusivity. Encourage them to be kind and respectful to people from all walks of life.

Teach consent: Teach your children about consent and boundaries from a young age. Encourage them to respect other people’s boundaries and to always ask for consent.

Lead by example: Be a role model for your children by living your feminist values. Show them that gender equality is important to you and that you practice what you preach.

Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie is a Nigerian novelist and feminist activist who has spoken extensively about the importance of raising children with feminist values. She is the author of the book “Dear Ijeawele, or A Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions,” which is a letter to a friend about how to raise a daughter with feminist principles.
In the book, Adichie writes, “Teach her that the idea of ‘gender roles’ is absolute nonsense. Do not ever tell her that she should or should not do something because she is a girl. ‘Because you are a girl’ is never a reason for anything. Ever.”
Adichie’s message is clear – we need to teach our children, both girls and boys, that gender stereotypes and expectations are limiting and unnecessary. By raising our children with feminist values, we can help them become empathetic, compassionate, and inclusive individuals who are able to challenge societal norms and create a more equal world.
In addition to her book, Adichie has given numerous talks and interviews on the topic of feminism and parenting. She has emphasised the importance of leading by example and modelling feminist values for our children. As she said in an interview with The Guardian, “We teach girls to shrink themselves, to make themselves smaller. We say to boys, ‘You can be anything.’ We need to be raising both boys and girls to be feminists.”
Adichie’s work and message are a powerful reminder of the importance of raising our children with feminist principles, and the impact it can have on creating a more equal and just society.

“A crucial role”

We spoke to Dr. Victoria Showunmi, a gender and education specialist at University College London, about the importance of mothers being feminists and raising their children with feminist principles. Here’s what she had to say:

“Mothers have a crucial role to play in shaping their children’s values and beliefs. As primary caregivers, they have a unique opportunity to instill feminist values in their children from a young age. By teaching their children about equality, respect, and consent, mothers can help to create a more equal and inclusive society.

Feminism is not just about women, it’s about creating a world where everyone has the same opportunities to succeed. By raising their children with feminist principles, mothers can help to break down gender stereotypes and promote inclusivity. This can have a positive impact on their children’s future relationships, career choices, and overall wellbeing.

It’s important for mothers to lead by example and live their feminist values. By practicing what they preach, they can show their children that gender equality is important to them and that they are committed to creating a more equal world.”

Teach equality, respect and consent

Being a feminist mother is about raising your children with feminist principles, teaching them about equality, respect, and consent, and promoting inclusivity. As mothers, we have a responsibility to instill feminist values in our children from a young age, so that they grow up to be kind, compassionate, and respectful human beings.

As Dr. Victoria Showunmi has said, “Feminism is not just about women, it’s for everyone. By raising their children with feminist principles, mothers can help to create a world where everyone has the same opportunities to succeed.”

Let’s all do our part in raising the next generation of feminists, one child at a time.