Rabat – It’s about shattering stereotypes, accepting diversity like never before, and breaking down boundaries.
With each daring move, feminism proves to be the ultimate disrupter, shaking the foundations of patriarchy.
Feminism is defined by the International Women’s Development Agency as a movement that seeks to provide equal rights and opportunities for people of all genders.
Feminism, which values the variety of women’s experiences, identities, skills, and abilities, aims to enable women from all walks of life to realize their full potential.
Feminism icons and their work that shaped the movement
One prominent feminine figure was Christine de Pizan,a French Renaissance writer who questioned gender norms and promoted women’s empowerment and education. Her writings are among the first documented examples of feminist philosophy.
Her work, including “The Book of the City of Ladies,” established the foundation for feminism in the future.
It was written by Pizan in reaction to the sexist views that were pervasive in the literature and society of her age.
The novel is set up as a conversation between the author and three allegorical characters, Reason, Rectitude, and Justice, who help her build a city that is only home to admirable and successful women.
Philosophers like Mary Wollstonecraft also promoted equality and women’s rights.
In her groundbreaking work, “A Vindication of the Rights of Woman,” Wollstonecraft urged women to be educated and included in public life, challenging conventional beliefs about their inferiority.
Published in 1972, her groundbreaking feminist text is considered as one of the first feminist philosophical works and a key document in the development of women’s rights.
In her work, Wollstonecraft makes a strong case for women’s education and empowerment, claiming that women are not essentially less intelligent or moral than males but rather have not been afforded the same chances.
The waves of feminism
The primary goal of the first wave of feminism was to guarantee women’s suffrage; the ability to vote.
The suffragette movements in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand were instrumental in achieving this goal.
During this period, influential figures including Millicent Fawcett, Emmeline Pankhurst, Susan B. Anthony, and Elizabeth Cady Stanton helped advance women’s political rights.
The second wave of feminism broadened the focus of feminist activity to include concerns like employment equality, reproductive rights, and the fight against violence and discrimination based on gender.
Prominent individuals who advocated for social and legislative changes to address structural inequities, such as Betty Friedan, Gloria Steinem, Audre Lorde, and Bell Hooks, rose to prominence during this period.
Through the 1990s and the beginning of the 2000s, the third wave gathered steam.
It was distinguished by its focus on a wide range of subjects, including cyberfeminism, diversity, intersectionality, sexuality, and body positivity, as well as by questioning the perceived boundaries and exclusions of previous feminist movements.
Emerging in the early 2010s, the fourth wave of feminism is all about accepting the difficulties of the modern world, particularly the digital one.
With movements like #MeToo reshaping global dialogue about harassment and demanding substantive change, it’s a virtual rally cry.
Along with ensuring that everyone is involved, this wave also stands firmly for political participation and representation, environmental and global justice, and transgender rights.
Richard Cooper, a Youtuber, and podcaster, stirred up quite the conversation on X, formerly Twitter, with a tweet titled “How feminism became toxic in 3 waves.”
Accompanied by a striking illustration, Cooper’s post charted the trajectory of feminist movements, delineating the evolving demands of women across these waves.
However, it was the climax of this visual narrative that truly caught attention; the third wave, encapsulated by the provocative notion that “women are men.”
Feminism and social media
Platforms like X, Instagram, and TikTok have developed into effective resources for feminism-related advocacy, discussion starters, and awareness-raising.
Hashtags like #MeToo, #TimesUp, and #BlackLivesMatter have galvanized millions, shedding light on experiences of sexual harassment, gender-based violence, and racial injustice.
On social media, feminist influencers are vital in influencing and magnifying the feminist conversation.
These people utilize their platforms to spread knowledge, encourage action, and mobilize their followers on intersectionality, social justice, and gender equality.
One such influencer is Jameela Jamil. Not just your average celebrity; Jamil is a feminist influencer who is using her platform to redefine beauty standards and empower individuals to embrace their true selves.
Jamila is at the forefront of the body positivity movement as an actor, activist, and the creator of the “I Weigh” campaign. She promotes body inclusiveness and challenges negative social stereotypes.
Through this movement, she encourages people to measure their value beyond their physical appearance. She emphasizes the importance of self-worth, mental health awareness, and embracing one’s individuality.
Genkimura, a Tiktoker who turns street interviews into investigative journalism, made a video where he asks women, “What rights do men have that women don’t?”
This video, which has received over 24.8k likes and 1340 comments, demonstrates how women feel about this issue.
“There is no law saying employers can’t fire you if you’re pregnant,” one woman said in one of her videos. “That’s something a man never has to worry about.”
From online petitions and virtual rallies to educational content and community building, feminism on social media is a dynamic force for change, fostering solidarity, resilience, and collective action in the digital age.
Whether they’re challenging beauty standards, fighting for reproductive rights, or simply spreading love and positivity, one thing’s for sure; feminists have never looked so fierce.
