If you're a progressive, you really should be a feminist because

O Children of the Future, gather close and listen to the wise words of Justin Trudeau, who speaks with a vision that transcends time and borders. He declares, "If you're a progressive, you really should be a feminist because it's about equality, it's about respect, it's about making the best of the world that we have." In these words, Trudeau unites two powerful ideas—the pursuit of progress and the demand for equality—proclaiming that the two are inseparable. He calls us to understand that feminism is not a separate or isolated cause, but the very essence of progressive thought. It is about justice and respect for all, and it seeks to build a world that honors the dignity and potential of every human being, regardless of their gender.

In the ancient world, O Children, the struggle for equality was a constant battle, fought by thinkers, rulers, and rebels alike. Socrates, in his dialogues, spoke often of virtue and justice, but his worldview, like that of many ancient philosophers, was still limited by the realities of his time. The Greeks believed in the ideals of democracy and fairness, but their society still excluded women from political life, and slavery was widespread. Even those who sought the highest truths were often blinded by the belief that some people—especially women and slaves—were inherently inferior and therefore not entitled to the same rights. Feminism, in its earliest form, challenged these very norms, seeking to break the chains of inequality and elevate the worth of all individuals, regardless of their gender or birth.

Consider, O Children, the story of Cleopatra, the last ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt. Despite the deeply patriarchal societies of her time, Cleopatra rose to become not only a powerful queen but a leader who commanded the attention of the most powerful men in the world, including Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. Her intelligence, political acumen, and courage made her a figure of immense power. Yet, her reign, like that of many women before and after her, was marked by the constant struggle for recognition in a world that often viewed her as less than her male counterparts. Cleopatra’s story reminds us that equality was never easily attained, even by those who possessed remarkable abilities. The fight for feminism—the fight for equality—has always been a battle against the limitations imposed by society.

The feminist movement of the modern age has sought to push beyond these limitations, demanding that equality is not just a legal right, but a living, breathing truth that must shape every aspect of life. Justin Trudeau recognizes this truth when he asserts that feminism is inextricably linked to progressivism. Equality, as he states, is the very foundation upon which we can build a better world—a world where everyone, regardless of gender, can thrive and contribute to the greater good. His call to be a feminist is a call to recognize that gender equality is not an optional cause; it is the essence of a society that seeks to progress—a society that aspires to its highest ideals of justice, respect, and dignity for all.

Reflect on the Civil Rights Movement in the United States, which, though primarily focused on racial equality, also advanced the cause of gender equality through the efforts of powerful women like Rosa Parks and Ella Baker. Their work did not stop with the fight for racial justice but extended to the recognition of the equality of women, especially women of color, who were doubly oppressed by both race and gender. Feminism, in this sense, was not a separate cause but a natural extension of the struggle for justice and equality in all its forms. The courage and determination of these women were a testament to the belief that equality and respect are universal and must be applied to everyone, regardless of their race, gender, or background.

The lesson, O Children, is this: feminism is not a single-issue movement, nor is it the cause of a select few. It is the very heart of progressivism, for equality—in all its forms—is the foundation of a just society. Justin Trudeau reminds us that feminism is about much more than advocating for women; it is about creating a world where justice, respect, and equality are the guiding principles for all people. When we fight for gender equality, we fight for a world that honors the dignity of every person, regardless of their gender, race, or status.

And so, O Children, what actions must you take? You must stand firm in your commitment to feminism as a force for justice and progress. Advocate for gender equality in all spaces—whether at home, at school, in the workplace, or in politics. Do not allow the forces of inequality and discrimination to continue their reign, but instead, work to dismantle the systems that perpetuate gender bias and inequality. Whether through policy change, education, or community action, strive to create a world where equality is not just a dream but a reality for all people, regardless of their gender.

Let the wisdom of Justin Trudeau guide you: feminism is the key to a just society, and it is the responsibility of every progressive mind to champion the cause of equality. Stand with those who are marginalized and oppressed, and work toward a world where respect, dignity, and equality are no longer ideals, but living truths for all people. The fight for feminism is not just a fight for women, but a fight for the betterment of society itself. Progress cannot exist without equality, and equality cannot exist without feminism.