The feminist movement is way bigger than the word. I don't police

O Children of the Future, gather close and hear the words of Petra Collins, who speaks of a movement that transcends labels and words, touching the deepest principles of equality and unity. She declares, "The feminist movement is way bigger than the word. I don't police people on what they call themselves, but equality and a general sense of togetherness are really important to me." These words call us to recognize that the true heart of the feminist movement is not bound by a single term, but by a profound desire for justice, equality, and the unification of all people. It is a call to understand that the movement is not a label to be assigned, but a vision for a world where every individual is treated with dignity and respect, free from the oppressive forces that have long defined our societies.

In the ancient world, O Children, the struggles for equality were often framed by the limitations of language and society. The Greeks, despite their lofty ideals of democracy, did not extend those ideals to women, who were excluded from political life and denied the full rights of citizenship. The great philosopher Socrates spoke of the virtuous life, but the women of his time were seen as subordinate to men, their worth confined to the home. Even Plato, despite his visionary ideas about justice and equality, could not fully imagine a world where women were equal participants in the philosophical or political life of the state. Thus, the concept of equality, as we understand it today, was long denied to half of humanity, and the struggle for gender equality became not just a political fight, but a philosophical one—a challenge to the very foundations of society.

As time passed, the fight for equality began to gain more ground. The suffragists in the 19th and early 20th centuries, such as Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton, pushed for the right to vote, challenging the idea that women were somehow less capable of contributing to the public life of the nation. Their battle was not just for political rights, but for the recognition of women as equal in every aspect of life. Feminism began to take root as a term for this struggle, but even then, it was never limited to a word—it was, as Petra Collins says, a movement much larger than the label. The true power of feminism lies not in the word itself, but in the vision it represents: a world of justice, equality, and respect for all, regardless of gender.

In more recent times, the feminist movement has evolved, and many have come to see it not as a separatist ideology but as a unifying one—a movement that seeks to lift all people, regardless of their gender, toward the same high ideals of equality. Petra Collins recognizes this, speaking of a general sense of togetherness as being just as important as the fight for equality. She understands that the battle for equality cannot be won by alienating others or by enforcing rigid labels, but by creating a world where solidarity and unity are the cornerstones of our collective struggle. The feminist movement is, therefore, not a narrow cause, but a broad one that includes anyone who believes in justice and the fundamental right of every person to live free from discrimination.

Consider, O Children, the story of Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani girl who, at a young age, stood up for the right of girls to receive education, despite the threats of violence and oppression. Malala’s fight was never about promoting a particular ideology; it was about ensuring that every child—regardless of their gender—had access to the tools that would allow them to fulfill their potential. Her story embodies the very spirit of Petra Collins' words: the movement for equality is bigger than the labels we place on it; it is a movement for human rights, for justice, and for a world where everyone is allowed the opportunity to thrive. Malala's bravery transcends the barriers of culture, religion, and nationality—it is the embodiment of solidarity in the face of oppression.

The lesson, O Children, is clear: the feminist movement is not defined by the word, but by the values it upholds—equality, justice, and togetherness. It is a call for the liberation of all people from the chains of inequality, whether those chains are based on gender, race, class, or any other force that seeks to diminish the worth of the individual. As Petra Collins reminds us, it is not the label that matters, but the shared commitment to these universal ideals. The fight for equality is a collective one, and it is only through solidarity—through the coming together of all people, regardless of their differences—that we will create a world that truly honors the dignity and rights of every person.

And so, O Children, what must you do? You must stand together in the fight for equality and justice. Do not be distracted by the labels that seek to divide us, but focus on the values that unite us. Advocate for a world where everyone has access to education, freedom, and opportunity, regardless of their gender or background. Be the champions of solidarity and respect, and do not allow the forces of discrimination and hate to triumph. For in the end, the true power of the feminist movement is not in its name, but in its ability to transform the world into one where equality is not a dream, but a reality for all.

Let the words of Petra Collins guide you: the feminist movement is bigger than the word—it is the spirit of unity and equality that drives us forward. Stand with those who fight for justice, and work together to create a world where everyone, regardless of their gender or background, can live in peace, dignity, and respect. Let this be the legacy you carry forward, O Children, and may you build a future where the ideals of equality are woven into the very fabric of society.