When it comes to feminism, people have different points of view in different parts of the world. Despite being in the 21st century and inventing many advanced things, the world around women is still sluggishly growing. In a recent survey by IPSOS, only 39 percent of people across 31 countries identified themselves as feminists. While 51 percent don’t consider themselves feminists, and 10 percent are unsure about their opinion. Interestingly, even in the most developed countries, people are unable to identify themselves as feminists in the majority.
India
In India, while 73 percent of people feel they are feminists, 19 percent deny it, and 8 percent have no opinion. Meanwhile, the situation regarding gender equality is not perfectly satisfactory in the country. Despite the excellent majority of people from different walks of life calling themselves feminists, gender disparity can be easily identified in the nation in several sectors.
Spain
In Spain, 55 percent of people describe themselves as feminists, while 37 percent disagree and 8 percent have no opinion. While the majority of people are feminists, the country is still fighting for gender equality and pay gaps even though things are getting infinitely better.
Thailand
48 percent of people in Thailand describe themselves as feminists, whilst 37 are against, and 15 percent are undecided. Besides, what is surprising is that the most significant proportion of those saying they are feminists—51 percent—is made up of men, which is the highest in comparing all the other countries.
South Africa
In South Africa, 48 percent of people are feminists, 43 disagree, and 9 percent have no opinion. Still, the women in this country are suffering from extreme progress and challenges. On the one hand, women’s participation in parliament is on the rise; on the other hand, they are experiencing gender-based violence that includes rape and domestic violence.
Sweden
From the statistics perspective, 47 percent of people in Sweden identify themselves as feminists, 42 percent oppose the claim, and 11 percent express no opinion. While the majority is the smallest as compared to all the other countries, it is among one of the leaders concerning gender equality. Sweden has followed several policies that are aimed at ensuring gender equality and further works on making the situation better.
Italy
In Italy, 45 percent of individuals consider themselves feminists, 42 percent disagree, and 13 percent do not have an opinion. In the country, attempts are made to achieve gender equality, but the results are unproductive. The actions are unhelpful to prevent women from discrimination, violence, and harmful stereotypes.
Great Britain
In Great Britain, 43 percent of people identify themselves as feminists, 45 percent disagree, and 12 do not have any opinion. This is not surprising at all, for the country is facing discrimination and inequality in employment, education, and the media. The government is taking initiatives, though, to better the conditions.
France
In France, 43 percent consider themselves a feminist, while 47 percent disagree, and 10 percent have no opinion on the matter. A growing amount of sexism in the country along with the increased discrimination and violence underline the fight for gender equality.
Belgium
In Belgium, 42 percent consider themselves feminists, while 45 percent do not, and 13 percent have no opinion. Despite the smaller majority, the country is still doing quite well in improving gender equality—it is also ranked 8th in the EU on the Gender Equality Index.
Singapore
In Singapore, only 42 percent of people identify as feminists, while 45 percent disagree and 13 percent express no opinion. This is also reflecting in country’s global standing, as it ranks 8th in the world for low gender inequality.
Ireland
In Ireland, 41 percent consider themselves a feminist, whereas 46 percent oppose and 13 percent share no opinion. Although most people oppose the tag, it got the 7th rank in the EU on the Gender Equality Index. Ireland is continue to work for women’s empowerment and wellbeing.
Canada
In Canada, 41 percent of people are feminists, while 45 percent are not, and 14 percent have no opinion. The country is not an ideal place in terms of gender equality; millions of the women within it are living on low earnings, and facing gender discrimination every single day.
Indonesia
In Indonesia, 41 percent of the people think they are feminists, 55 percent deny the fact, and 4 percent have no opinion. Out of these 41 percent, only 23 percent are men, which is the lowest among all the 31 countries participated in survey.
Chile
In Chile, 40 percent of people consider themsleves feminist, while 53 percent disagree, and 7 percent have no opinion. The high incidence of domestic violence and the high level of patriarchal gender roles facing women in the country indicate that it needs to strive towards gender equality and the empowerment of women.
China
In China, 39 percent of the respondents feel that they are feminists; on the other hand, 56 percent disagree, while 5 percent say they do not know. Women are less valued than men in the country; it is no wonder that the majority of people disagreed with being feminists.
Malaysia
Only 39 percent of Malaysians are feminists, whereas another 51 percent disagree, and 10 percent have no opinion. Malaysian women and girls are facing harassment, abuse, and violence daily, indicating the country needs to enforce strict rules to provide a safe environment for them.
Brazil
39 percent of those interviewed in Brazil consider themselves feminists, while 51 percent disagree and 10 percent have no opinion. This country takes the 57th position out of 146 countries grouped as the least gender-unequal country. This figure shows the condition of Brazilian women and the need of improvement.
Australia
In Australia, 39 percent of people consider themselves feminists, 49 percent disagree, and 12 percent have no opinion. The majority of people agreeing was really low; however, the country’s ranking when it comes to gender equality is increasing. It climbed up from 43 to 26 globally, showcasing the right steps Australia is taking for women empowerment.
United States
Only 34 percent of people in the United States think of themselves as feminists, while 53 percent disagree, and 13 percent have no opinion. The United States stands at 37th as the best country to be a woman. The rank is sliding from 26 in 2017, indicating that the US needs to work on improve women’s conditions and provide them with a better and safer environment.