We Should All Be Feminists

 Do you know who the people are? What do these famous persons have in common? 

Talk to your neighbour and try to come up with one thing that they have in common! 

• Michelle Obama  

• Kamala Harris

• Clara Henry

• Zara Larsson

• Harry Styles

• Barack Obama

• David Schwimmer (Ross in Friends)

We Should All Be Feminists - but we need to understand why! 

In these lessons, we will explore feminism, gender equality, and the ideas in Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s essay We Should All Be Feminists.

You will learn about modern feminists, reflect on your own society, and engage in discussions about important questions related to equality.

---

1. What Is Feminism?

When you think about the concept of feminism, what do you think it means? 

Go to Menti.com and join with the code that I have written on the whiteboard. 

Anonymously, write a few sentences on what you think feminism is. 

Charles Fourier 

Charles Fourier was a French thinker from the 1800s.
He believed that men and women should have the same rights and opportunities.
He was one of the first people in history to use the word feminism.
Fourier said that society cannot be happy unless women are free and equal.

Simon de Beauvior 

Simone de Beauvoir was a French writer and philosopher.
She wrote the famous book “The Second Sex” in 1949.
In it, she explained how women have been treated as “less important” than men.
Her ideas helped shape modern feminism and inspired women to fight for equality.

Dorothy Parker 
Dorothy Parker was an American writer and poet in the early 1900s.
She was known for her sharp humor and clever comments.
Parker used her writing to challenge sexism and show how unfair society could be to women.
She supported women’s independence and spoke openly for women’s rights.

2. Who Is Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie?

• Nigerian author

• Powerful speaker about gender, identity, and culture

• Her TED talk inspired millions

• She shares stories from her own life to show how gender expectations shape us

(1.19-10.25)

3.  Read the text We Should All Be Feminists

Individually read the text. While reading the text, do this:                          

✅ Text and thought: Underline something you agree or disagree with. Write your thoughts about the quote directly on the handout or in your notebook. 

When you have finished reading the book, you need to have written at least 5.

✅ Underline words you don't understand at all. Use a dictionary and look up the words. You may write directly on the handouts. 

Deadline: Together we decided when it is reasonable to be finished. 

After reading: 

Reading Comprehension

Answer in full sentences. Write in your notebook. 

On the lines:

1. What differences in upbringing does Adichie describe for boys and girls?

2. Why does she talk about her friend Louis?

3. What does she mean by “gender matters everywhere in the world”?

4. What was her reaction to being called a feminist?

Between the lines:

1. What message do you think she wants young people to take with them?

2. Why might some people feel uncomfortable with the word feminism?

3. Does this text connect to your life? Give examples.

---

6. Group Discussion

In pairs, you will discuss: 

• Do you think boys and girls are treated equally today?

• How do social media, music, or school influence gender expectations?

• Which modern feminist do you relate to most? Why?

• Do you think everyone should call themselves a feminist?

Be respectful and listen to each other.

---

7. Final Reflection

Go back to Menti.com. 

Write 5-10 sentences on: 

“What does feminism mean to me today?”

Try to include examples from the text or your own life.

---