Dr. Murangira B. Thierry reveals why he is a 'feminist'

On November 25th, 2024, Dr. Murangira Thierry attended a 16-day conference on combating gender-based violence worldwide. He discussed gender equality and social media abuses that come back to 'feminism.'

These days, on social media, especially X, there are words spoken by so-called feminists and others who say that they would crush men, and ask the government to take a closer look because it can create divisions. 

Dr. Murangira B. Thierry expressed that he is aware of what is being said on social media and revealed that some Rwandans misunderstand the word 'feminism'.

“There are people on social media who call themselves 'feminists.' I don't think there's anything wrong with being a feminist. The study says that a feminist is a woman or man who supports the principle of equality and harmony and is interested in fighting against gender discrimination.  I am also motivated to support equality,” he said.

He went on to say that there are people who don't understand the meaning of the word 'feminist.' He said, "There are those who call themselves feminists and wrongly contribute it on social media and you see they don't understand the concept, pretending to be feminists and committing gender-based violence on these sites.”

“Feminism is not about targeting one gender or another, it is not about favoring one gender to the exclusion of others. Feminism is the way of equal rights for everyone and also equality of the sexes. A feminist is someone who is neither male nor female and strives for equality.”

Dr. Murangira B. Thierry explained that he is also a feminist.  "I am now a feminist because I cannot support gender-based violence," he said.

He defines 'feminism' or 'feminist' when there are those who misunderstand that a feminist is only a supporter of women. Therefore, some call 'men are trash.' It was a statement that angered some of the men who called for action very early.