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Men rarely call themselves feminists.

Most understand and identify with the concept but struggle to say definitively that they are one. 

What's feminism even, they ask. If we're talking equality here, then why not use the term per se? Why ascribe equality to the advocacy of women's rights instead of fairness? 

It's because biologically, economically and sociologically speaking -- we were always at a disadvantage. Because we were born with an ovary and womb to bear children, and breasts to feed them. Because physically nursing and nurturing them naturally designated us primary caregiver and relegated us to the domestic space. Because as children were increasingly prized as labour and a source of income for the family, our worth grew tied to our fertility and our ability to raise healthy and intelligent children to bear the family bloodline.

I think about my grandmothers and how their lives growing up were worlds apart from mine. How nainai worked odd jobs as a dimsum chef, bus driver and canteen operator all while having five kids, and supporting yeye who earned a decent amount as a contractor but wasn't the most astute with his money. How popo was a stay-at-home mother to six children while gonggong worked long hours as a fishmonger. 

They belong so very firmly to the traditional female housewife mould -- something women all over the world are determined to buck today.

The sisters and i too. Each of us in different cities, independent and living alone, driven to achieve whatever we put our mind to, advocates for self love bc ain't nobody gonna love you till you learn to love yourself). Grateful to the parents who've taught us since young that the world's our oyster -- may we always have the courage to speak out and fight for what we deserve.