When did you realise women still needed feminism?

[TowelNumber42]

Inspired by the direction another thread took I wondered if other women had thought feminism unnecessary then had a rude awakening at some point in their lives?

Me, I grew up in a sexist environment but "knew" that how I was treated was something I could change through my own behaviour and general bolshyness. Older women harped on about feminism because they were from the olden days.

Then I had children. Then I realised I had been passed over for promotion earlier in my career without realising (I'd still got a good way up though).

The way I was treated in pregnancy by the medical profession and the world was an eye-opener. I was now the host-organism, a silly woman to be talked down to even when I object and am bolshy.

The attitudes of people who think mumsnet is all pram reviews and lipstick.

Did you think the world was equal then change your mind? What changed it?

Much later than I should have.

There have been frustrating things ever since I started work. It went downhill after I got pregnant and stopped working and realised I’d married a sexist man (not too obvious prior to that).

Then I was too busy for a long time to do much except feel frustration.

Now in my fifties and finally I am both angry enough, and have sufficient time to begin in a small way to try to act. Working towards leaving said sexism man. Hopefully after that, I might have time and the freedom to do more.

Forgot to say, I was raised to believe most of the work was done and that some level of equality would be achieved in my lifetime. But I can see things have been drifting backwards. Sadly it’s probably worse now for my daughter than it was for me.