Fading of Root Causes
Throughout the 20th century, movements emerged to defend human rights and social justice, laying solid foundations for the protection of fundamental rights. Today, however, these essential causes seem to have been displaced by intense political polarization that has distorted their meaning. The once clear and decisive struggle has become an ideological battlefield where nuance and understanding have been sacrificed on the altar of radicalization.
The Cause of Women: From Struggle to Slogan
Particularly affected by this transformation has been the cause of feminism, which has been reduced to a mere political label. Left-wing parties, especially those with a radical bent, have monopolised this struggle, imbuing it with an ideology that does not necessarily reflect the concerns of all women. In this context, the figure of Irene Montero stands out as an example of how the cause has been used as a political instrument, losing its essence in the process.
A Sectarian Feminism
Ideological appropriation has led to a feminism that excludes those who do not fit a particular narrative. The struggle for women’s rights, which was originally diverse and multifaceted, has been co-opted by a group that refuses to acknowledge the validity of other perspectives. This phenomenon has resulted in the invisibility of many important struggles in other parts of the world.
Silence in the Face of Global Crises
Despite living in an era marked by global connectivity and technological advancements, the voices of many women suffering in contexts of oppression remain silenced. From women in Iran to girls facing abduction in Nigeria, these realities are ignored by a feminism that prefers to focus on issues that resonate more with its ideological interests. This silence becomes even more deafening when looking at the brutality they face in countries like Afghanistan, where women are stripped of their basic rights.
The Hypocrisy of Activism
While some groups call themselves defenders of women’s rights, their commitment appears to be selective and often superficial. The lack of action in the face of such harrowing realities reveals an alarming hypocrisy, where the struggle becomes an empty symbol lacking substance.
Final Thoughts
The recent tightening of laws in Afghanistan, which prohibit women from expressing themselves in any way, is a reminder of the real struggles that continue to be ignored. In a world where institutions such as the UN seem to have lost their way, it is crucial not to lose sight of the true goal of feminism: the defence and promotion of the rights of all women, regardless of their ideological or cultural background. Without an inclusive and genuine approach, feminism can end up being simply another tool in the arsenal of politics, stripping its essence of its transformative power.
