There’s no question that feminism has massively influenced and improved Pakistan’s cultural norms and continues to do so. However, in some cases the very ideology that’s based on equality is twisted to target an entire gender.

I am not denying the fact that women are victims of abuse and domestic violence. Their rights should be safeguarded, no questions asked. Nonetheless, it is also true that some women play the victim card too soon.

The real question is: does feminism promote hatred against men? In some cases, it sure does, in my opinion. Why, you ask? There’s a simple explanation for it. Some have used feminism to contradict the true essence of equality.

Because, while it is important to stand up for women and grant them privileges that we, as a society mutually share, some flag-bearers of feminism promote misandry in the garb of equality.

It acts as an invisible barrier that psychologically influences one’s perspective about the opposite gender. Some have twisted the definition of feminism as holding men responsible for everything wrong – and by ‘men’, I mean ALL men.

Some feminists have a certain bias towards men. But is that the right way to go? Of course not! Everything needs to be balanced out. No campaign, or ideology, that targets either gender can promote equality. It only creates further hurdles in a cohesive and well-balanced society.

Feminism in many cases has done women proud, and eradicated gender based discrimination –but in some cases it contradicts the very essence of egalitarianism.

I have seen many women who paint men with the same brush and deem them – as a whole –too conservative and old fashioned. At times, I feel bad for my class fellows being shut down by female students while discussing feminism. Many of them, including my professor share a bigoted viewpoint regarding men.

I recently interviewed a few localities from my neighborhood and asked them the same question, whether feminism promotes hatred against men or not? I received varied responses.

“I think our country has outgrown women’s rights crisis. In my village, matriarchy is dominant,” said Hasan Jabeen, a local school teacher.

“I believe women do have a bias against men. I’ve seen it in public. I can hardly put into words the way they stare at men. It’s pretty bad. But above all, they make them doubt themselves as humans which is sad!” said Javeria Hussain, a graduate student.

It all boils down to one heated debate about gender discrimination and inequality. While it is important to acknowledge how women have been victimized by patriarchal societies, it is also important to ensure that neither of the two genders is negatively stereotyped. Anyone can fall prey to many social injustices that thwart individuals from progressing in today’s competitive world.