Feminism is often misunderstood, but it’s actually simple it’s about equality for all genders. It’s not about hating men or thinking women are better. It’s about fairness, respect, and equal chances for everyone. Even though equality seems like common sense, we still live in a world where things aren’t equal especially for women and girls. At school, girls are often judged more for their appearance, or called “bossy” for being confident while boys get praised. Comments like “you run like a girl” or “don’t be so emotional” show how deep stereotypes run. Outside of school, women face bigger challenges. They earn less than men for the same work, are underrepresented in many careers, and face more harassment. In some places, girls aren’t even allowed to go to school. Feminism works to change all of this. But feminism isn’t just for women it also helps men. Society often tells boys to be tough, not to cry, and never ask for help. That’s unfair too. Feminism says everyone should be free to express themselves. As high school students, we can help by calling out sexist jokes, supporting one another, and standing up when we see unfair treatment. Being a feminist doesn’t mean you’re perfect it means you care and want things to get better for everyone. Feminism matters and high school is the perfect place to start making a difference Ekin Su Atmaca is a 15-year-old student at Yaşam Tasarım High School. With a passion for learning and personal growth, Ekin dedicates time to a variety of interests, including playing volleyball, listening to music, learning new languages, and reading books. Ekin’s enthusiasm for both academics and extracurricular activities showcases a well-rounded character, balancing physical fitness, intellectual curiosity, and creative expression. As a dedicated student and aspiring individual, Ekin strives to continue developing skills that will pave the way for future academic and personal success. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx