From Hollywood to Parliament, the Weinstein scandal has prompted a long hard look at sexism and sexual harrassment - and left many asking why, nearly a hundred years after women gained the vote, there is still a need to justify feminism.

Since the public shaming of Harvey Weinstein, stories of sexual harrassment have been pouring out, particularly with the widespread #MeToo campaign. The hashtag has reached many people, and prominent figures - such as Lady Gaga - have been speaking up about their experiences. Shocking accounts are being shared from unexpected sources, reigniting the debate about what feminism means in the 21st century and exposing the negative attitude that still surrounds the 'f-word'.

There are some pretty clear inequalities in this world, and feminism is attempting to address some of them. It’s not perfect - it’s nowhere near - but that doesn’t mean its flaws are more important than its successes.

Every self-proclaimed feminist is examined in excruciating detail. When one makes a ‘mistake’, the media latches on, eager to fuel the anti-feminist fire. When Beyoncé named her fifth world tour ‘The Mrs Carter Show’, sure, we all let out a little sigh. It was disappointing to see the successes of such a powerful woman put under her husband’s name. But isn’t it far more important that she has already shown young girls they can be successful and still have a political opinion at the same time? Mrs Beyoncé Knowles-Carter is a proud feminist, and only too ready to tell girls they can “run the world” – her being a wife and a mother should not diminish this. Emma Watson – queen of He for She – is ridiculed and reviled for her Vanity Fair photo shoot; because, apparently, her breasts are more important than the political contributions she’s made towards gender equality.

It’s a little mind-blowing that, even now, feminism seems to be considered a much more destructive societal construct than, for example, misogyny. Misogyny is just a part of everyday life: bring it up in conversation, and maybe there’ll be a shrug, a murmur of dissatisfaction - but generally it’s accepted. Rarely do people engage in frankly vicious internet battles over it, or feel such overwhelming hatred for the word as is felt about feminism. Mention it on social media - if you dare - and be greeted by a torrent of angry conservatives defending their human rights; rights which are, of course, being infringed upon. Feminism is taken as an attack upon the right to free speech and opinion; what an irony that people do not realise it is in fact a defence of these things. It’s almost amusing that those who so aggressively criticise it often become parodies of the ‘feminazis’ they so hate: screaming dementedly at anybody who dares voice thoughts that are not in line with their own.

Feminism should not be a huge political statement. The fact there’s an internet explosion every time an influential person announces their support only serves to alienate more people from what is, essentially, a mutual agreement to oppose sexism. It seems now to be considered a brand name for crazed women; it therefore comes as no surprise, but only disappointment, that only a minority of feminists are men. In an almost laughably ironic way, women alone aren’t listened to: it takes men speaking up to get the issue heard. With women suffering at the hands of everyday discrimination, it is logical that men are needed to combat the problem too.

We have come a long way. Women have the vote; we work; we’re involved in politics. But a hundred and fifty years ago, people weren’t walking around in a shocked daze that these things weren’t commonplace; they were not constantly appalled at how misogynistic their society was. When we think back on it now, it’s crazy - but it never was to them. And so, in another hundred and fifty years, what will have changed? Of the many things integrated into our everyday lives, which will be taught in schools to the awed children as a reminder of the progressive world they live in? We always believe the current society is the most advanced, the most admirable - but, somehow, we disregard the injustices of everyday life. We can be blissfully blind to our own prejudices, but the repercussions of these cannot be ignored.

Feminism should not be a fight. It should be an agreement to support those who have borne the weight of a sexist society; to ensure equality of opportunity. It should be an agreement among us all to treat a person with dignity and respect, regardless of their gender.