Educating young people about feminism brings us one step closer to achieving the goal of gender equality. The daily witnessing of gender inequality means that it is seen as normal and acceptable by many. Despite the tremendous feats in the UK that feminism achieved in the 20th century, there is still a way to go until gender equality is reached.

Feminism is too often misunderstood, and associated with 'man-hating' rather than gender equality. It is partly because of these common misunderstandings that many men and women refuse to identify themselves as feminists, or associate themselves with the feminist movement. Others think that feminism has been so successful that it is no longer relevant. However, in the UK, the gender pay gap remains at 17.6%, the daily harassment of women continues, and only 22.7% of MPs in the House of Commons are female, representing 51% of the population who are female.

Feminism needs the vocal support of society as a whole, which can be achieved through education. It will allow the values of feminism to prevail, so that the movement is better understood and better supported. This will benefit men and women alike.

This is why I urge you to sign this petition to introduce a compulsory topic on feminism to the national curriculum, so that current school children and future generations are taught the history of feminism, what it stands for, and its importance today both in the UK and in the international community.