Solo Magazine

SOLO The Gender Issue Issue One

MAGAZINE

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“THERE ARE A NUMBER OF FEMALES CLAIMING TO BE FEMINISTS WHO BELIEVE THAT MALES ARE THE INFERIOR SEX. THESE WOMEN ARE NOT FEMINISTS; THEY ARE IN FACT, SEXIST”

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MAN UP TEXT ANNA MATHER

“Everyone will be considered as equals eventually.”

MenEngage is an association which works towards advancing gender equality within modern society. Keen member, Peter Turner speaks about his views on the issue along with his beliefs regarding the #HeForShe campaign ‘MenEngage’ leaves little to the imagination; a straight-to-the-point, emotive campaign that will leave any non-feminist questioning their beliefs. “(MenEngage) members work collectively and individually toward advancing gender equality, human rights and social justice to achieve a world in which all can enjoy healthy, fulfilling and equitable relationships and their full potential” says Oswaldo Montoya Telleria, the runner of the ‘regional and national networks support’ section of the organisation. “The alliance supports its 600+ members in their fight to promote gender justice”.

With feminism currently dominating cultural media coverage, it is about time another perspective was viewed. Those involved in MenEngage are retaliating against sexism, and many, including Oswaldo himself, are promoting the hashtag

‘#HeForShe’ worldwide on social media.

One keen follower of this campaign, Peter Turner, spoke about his beliefs on the issue in an exclusive interview for ID magazine.

“I would describe myself as a pro-feminist; I am supportive of the cause of feminism” says Peter as he shuts the window, distorting the sounds of the busy street outside. Pro-feminism refers to a person who is a promoter of feminism within society. The term is most commonly used in reference those who are active supporters of the movement without citing that they are a feminist.

According to the HeForShe website, the campaign is ‘a solidarity movement for gender equality’. This regards the attempts to bring together the two genders in order to benefit the entire human race.

“But what even is feminism nowadays?” Peter asks.

008 “Yes, the movement regards empowering women, but degrading men? That’s not something I wish to participate in.” “That’s what feminism seems to be these days; degrading men. That’s not how it should be. Equality is what true feminists are fighting for.”

“It is now 2016. We have moved past the absurd archaic views of previous eras” Peter explains. “We are way beyond the time when women were not provided with the right to vote, and when men were able to earn a higher income than their opposing gender. Sexism has considerably decreased within society.” He admits “Of course, women worldwide continue to be violated, objectified and repressed, but on a much smaller scale. As do men; it is not just a female issue”. “With the modern empowerment of women, men are beginning to be disregarded. Women are simply half of the world’s population, and they are not the only half who should live in a world which is free of discrimination.”

This is where the HeForShe campaign comes into place. With a number of celebrities including Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Simon Pegg and Forest Whitaker showing their support, the fight for this movement to succeed has gone viral. After Emma Watson’s inspirational speech back in 2014, HeForShe has become a well-known drive to promote feminism.

In her speech she painfully admits “my recent research has shown me that feminism has become an unpopular word. Women are choosing not to identify as feminists. Apparently, I’m among the ranks of women whose expressions are seen as too strong, too aggressive, isolating, and anti-men.

Unattractive, even.” “We don’t often talk about men being imprisoned by gender stereotypes, but

I can see that they are, and that when they are free, things will change for women as a natural consequence” she says. “If men don’t have to be aggressive in order to be accepted, women won’t feel compelled to be submissive. If men don’t have to control, women won’t have to be controlled.”

Many other celebrities are promoting HeForShe on social media. English television presenter, actress, singer and model Cat Deeley tweeted “Equality for all…. #HeForShe” while American actor, producer, and director Forest Whitaker wrote “Proud to support the #HeForShe campaign of @UN_Women”.

Speaking passionately about the subject, Peter is endeavouring to spread awareness of the HeForShe movement. “The promotion of the HeForShe hashtag will enable women to realise that the majority of men are in favour of equal rights. Without the intent of offending, there are a number of females claiming to be feminists who believe that males are the inferior sex. These women are not feminists; they are in fact, sexist” he says, raising his voice and making strong gestures of emotion. “Emma Watson should be an inspiration to the entire human race. She is such a selfless individual who strives for improvement within modern society. How anybody could dislike this woman and disagree with her views is beyond me.”

The future is ultimately unknown, but Peter believes he knows the answer. Will this campaign gain supporters and change society’s views for the better? When asked about the impending result of the HeForShe movement, Peter responded “The awareness which has been spread about this campaign gives me a great deal of hope for the future.

It has not just achieved nationwide success, but worldwide.

It is receiving support on an international scale. HeForShe is not at its peak yet though; there is room for this campaign to grow. Everyone will be considered as equals eventually”.

Gender neutral clothing has become a thing of the modern age. But why does it seem to be a bigger issue for boys to be dressed in girls clothes?

PHOTOGRAPHY ANNA MATHER

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“BEING A GIRL IS NOT NECESSARILY COMPARABLE WITH DRESSING GIRLY”

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