This differentiation is so important for girls and women to hear, because it reminds them that they do not need to be a celebrity or in a position of power to make a difference. Washington’s intellectual and practical approach to women’s issues is empowering, and it breaks the negative stigma that is commonly attached to the term “feminism.” In the same 2012 interview with Feministing.com, she responded to a question about her “favorite part of being a feminist” with the following:
“The term feminist is so inclusive now. There isn’t one way to be a feminist or to practice feminism, to exercise feminism. You can be feminist in lots of different ways because the point is freedom of
choice. I also want to say that I very much identify with the term womanist, but I don’t think the two are mutually exclusive. I also identify as a humanist. I don’t think that either of those terms are mutually exclusive.”
Washington’s broad take on feminism is even more applicable in today’s society and within the global environment, because women’s issues are taken as human rights issues. Her bottom line of equality and her confidence in what she believes to be right is what makes Washington such a great role model for girls and women.
Information Source: The Feministing Five, Published June 2 2012 by Feministing.com