What is feminism? Activist and actor Kalki Koechlin's inspirational quotes will set the record straight

Inspirational quotes by actor Kalki Koechlin on women empowerment and equality.

Kalki Koechlin has played a wide variety of roles in Bollywood. Apart from her contributions in the industry, she has featured in digital ad campaigns and various YouTube videos addressing equality and empowerment. Kalki is not one to shy away from speaking her mind. She is an activist that promotes equality in all forms possible. Let us look at some quotes from this feminist who is all about empowerment:

"Being a feminist means asking for equality. But people take it the other way at times. It is looked down upon because it is seen as man-hating. But, feminism is a really crazy idea that suggests men and women are equal."

"No gender is fairer than the other. Women are not doormats. We are equivalent to men. It is just that we have different bodies and different biological needs. We have capacities which should be celebrated and rewarded in the society."

"There is a misunderstanding and lack of awareness about the word. Feminism seems to be tagged as a bunch of ranting women or women who are against men. The word feminism is about the equality of gender. A lot of people are feminist but they don't even realise it."

"We need love in all forms."

“I don’t think we provide an environment to our women to speak up about sexual abuse. We only listen to people once they are successful or famous. Sexual abuse is a power of game. Those in power take advantage of those less in power.”

"I don’t know why it has become so politicised; today, if you are a feminist, you are a man-hater. It is very important to understand that men should be feminists as well. This is because we live in a patriarchal world. If we lived in a matriarchal society where women ruled the world, we would need meninists. And I would be a meninist. But right now the balance of power is the other way – women need more attention and that is why we need to address it."

“Dear Aunty, will you stop gawking at me? Dear Didi, will you stop telling me to shut up? Dear Women, will you, at least, stand up for me?”

It’s just the fact that I think some people don’t realise what it means. The term 'feminism' has got so much negative feedback. I think now it’s about making the work cool again.”

What does feminism mean to you? Are you a feminist? Tell us in the comments.