Feminism, often misconstrued as a “scary” word that people whisper, avoid, or completely misunderstand, was the central topic of a recent episode of OffAir, where hosts Gbemi and Toolz decided to tackle the subject head-on. They were joined by Blessing Omakwu, the founder of The She Tank and a long-time advocate for women’s equality, leading to a conversation described as both refreshing and necessary.

From the outset, the episode aimed beyond a surface-level explanation of “what is feminism?” Instead, it delved deep into why a term meant to stand for fairness continues to make people uncomfortable. The discussion explored how the idea of feminism frequently gets twisted online and why many individuals hold onto outdated definitions, contributing to the widespread misunderstanding.

Blessing Omakwu offered a critical breakdown of these issues, explaining how culture, religion, and various social expectations significantly shape people’s reactions to feminism. She illuminated why the resistance observed today is not a new phenomenon but has roots in historical and societal contexts.

Gbemi and Toolz actively contributed to the dialogue by sharing their personal experiences and highlighting the inherent contradictions women often navigate daily. Their conversation also touched upon the unapologetic approach of Gen Z towards feminist ideals, the rise of online “anti-feminist” movements, the important wins for women’s equality that often go unnoticed, and the crucial point that men must be included in the conversation for any meaningful change to occur.

The episode was characterized as feeling like an engaging group chat – honest, curious, and filled with moments that encourage listeners to pause and reconsider their perspectives. It aims to genuinely add value to the ongoing discourse around feminism, appealing to those who identify as feminists, those who avoid the word, and those still exploring its meaning for themselves.