Ricardo Simonetti in an interview
“To stand up for women as a man should be a matter of course”
Ricardo Simonetti
© Gartner / imago images
Empowerment is one of the most important words of our time – the strengthening of “self-power” and “autonomy” is more present than ever. We talked to Ricardo Simonetti about why it is so important to support one another instead of throwing stones in one’s path.
Live independently. That is probably what everyone wants. But this goal is still a long way off for some. Even if we have made great strides in the meantime, we are still a long way from a world of equality. For many, the word feminism has become almost a threat.
Feminism means fighting for a world of equality
The wrong picture is often drawn: Feminism does not mean that women want to seize power, but that they fight for a world of equality – for all people. So it is not a question of releasing power, but of elevating those who have previously been oppressed and not treated as equals.
The TV station VOX organizes the theme week “#VOXforWomem”
The TV broadcaster VOX is now focusing on women for a week. The theme week will open on November 1, 2021 at 8:15 pm with the infotainment show “#VOXforWomen – The Event”, moderated by Laura Wontorra. Ricardo Simonetti will also be a guest that evening.
Brigitte: Mr. Simonetti, what does female empowerment mean to you?
Ricardo Simonetti: Women, female read people and also men who embrace their feminine side instead of hiding it, have to pay a certain price every day. Doing things that try to make up for that is female empowerment for me.
What is your role in empowerment?
I think it is very important that not only “those affected” point out social problems. To stand up for women as a man should be just as natural as to be against racism as a white person.
Why is it important that women do not fight for an equal society alone?
Sometimes I have the feeling that our society is a two-bubble society. One bubble is completely cleared up and open, the other does not want to know anything about any of this. I think allys are important because thanks to them you can sometimes establish a communication between these two bubbles in order to mediate. You can’t do without them.
How do you deal with self-love, but also self-doubt in everyday life?
An important lesson I had to learn in this regard was the fact that self-esteem is something that can change in seconds. In a moment at the top, it can be gone again. It is all the more important to treat yourself lovingly when your self-confidence is not at its peak.
What does feminism mean to you?
A world in which everyone has the same rights and the same opportunities.
Would you describe yourself as a feminist?
Naturally. I think everyone who works for a better world is a feminist.
In your opinion, what has to change in our society so that we can finally achieve an equal goal?
What is needed from the ground up is more inclusive structures that take marginalized groups into account. Power has to be given up. You can’t expect the same people who have always done it to be perfect overnight – that’s why you have to bring people into the team who know what they’re talking about and for whom diversity is not just a trend .
Do you have role models?
I love people who go their own way regardless of the opinion of others. Above all my mom, who showed me that she learned something out of love for me and that that is worth more than holding onto values that were once drummed into you.
Source used: Interview with Ricardo Simonetti, vox.de