Do you agree with Gates' definition of feminism? How would you modify it to fit your own views? Do you consider yourself a feminist?

Gates writes, "Being a feminist means believing that every woman should be able to use her voice and pursue her potential, and that women and men should work together to take down the barriers and end the biases that still hold women back." Do you agree with her definition? How would you modify it to fit your own views? Do you consider yourself a feminist?

I like Gates' definition of feminism. I am not sure there is one definition that is perfect, yet I do not see anything in this definition that I know I want to change for myself. I especially like the view that women and men need to work together to take down the barriers and the biases. I grew up in a time where my experience of feminism seemed focused more on what women needed to do; this working at it together gives me hope for the future. I am a feminist. I have been a feminist for as long as I can remember, even if I could not name it in my early years.

I do agree with Gates definition. I respect her enthusiasm...but, it isn't new! I am 70 years old and there are many of us who have always defined it that way. It doesn't have to confrontational or aggressive just persistent.

I also agree with Gates’ definition of a feminist. I also am in my 70’s and have considered myself a feminist forever. I am very pleased with all of the women that are now in power throughout the world.

As yet another 70-year-old, I agree with Maggie and shannonl. This is how I've thought of feminism.

I too agree with Gates's definition of feminism, particularly with its emphasis on women having a voice, and with men and women working together to break down barriers. While I certainly believe in the social, political, and economic equality of the sexes (and of races, religion, and sexual orientation), I've never consciously labeled myself as a feminist, perhaps because I associate the term with taking action. So, I suppose I am a feminist in theory, but not in action -- with the hope that this book will challenge me to play some part in empowering others.

I also agree with the definition but feel it is broader. Any woman who is passionate about helping other women achieve an education, climb the ladder in business or achieve excellence in a sport or other event is a feminist.

Essentially, “yes” I do agree. As a woman in her 70’s, I have seen slow movement towards a break down of barriers women face here in our country. However, that success is still not global. Women all over the world do not enjoy social, political, or economic equality.
We cannot all be strong activists but we can be mentors and supporters in our own small ways. Encouraging dreams, mentoring, expressing ourselves through our words and actions. Teaching and volunteering and being positive. We’re a lot further than we were 50 years ago.

I agree with Gate's definition. I have to admit that I am a woman in my 60's and always considered "feminism" to be a "bad" word. I don't know why, but when I was younger, I didn't want to be considered a feminist.

I do. I'm another one of those 70-somethings, well-represented above, and I agree that persistence is an essential quality of feminism, along with partnership with and cooperation from men.

I agree with Melinda's definition of feminism and would like to see more men hopping on the train. I have high hopes for what Doug Emhoff will do in his position as Second Gentleman and I hope that men will see that they don't have to be threatened by a woman's success. I would like us get to the point of just being humanists and not having to emphasize gender.

Being the day after our first female vice president has been sworn into office, I definitely definite myself as a feminist and so happy that the hard work of so many feminists before me has finally paid off. We are strong and smart and determined... I feel like we can do anything we put our minds to. This book has been so inspirational to make me feel even more strongly about this!

I like Gates’ definition of feminism and have identified with it (unknowingly) for decades. Like many of the participants in this discussion, I am in my 60s, however unlike some I have always identified myself as a feminist. Perhaps it was growing up on a farm where the women worked alongside the men sowing and harvesting the crops, milking cows, and fixing fences. Or maybe it was seeing my aunt raising her family while working outside the home after her husband died. These early experiences showed me women can do anything, have a place and a voice in the world, and can lift other women up. Equality for women is still needed and Gates’ book shows another pathway to providing women with the skills, support, and opportunities to achieve.