Feminism is a socio-political movement and ideology that seeks to define, establish, and achieve political, economic, personal, and social equality of sexes. Rooted in the advocacy of women's rights on the grounds of political, social, and economic equality to men, feminism aims to challenge historically entrenched systems of power and privilege. The term "feminism" itself originated from the French word "féminisme" in the 19th century, and feminist theory emerged from these feminist movements. It encompasses a broad spectrum of ideas, approaches, and philosophies, ranging from liberal feminism, which focuses on achieving equality through political and legal reform within the current structure, to radical feminism, which calls for a complete societal overhaul to eliminate male supremacy.
Feminism has evolved over the years into various waves, each with distinct focuses and goals. The first wave, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, concentrated primarily on legal issues, primarily on gaining women's suffrage (the right to vote). The second wave, arising in the 1960s, broadened the debate to a wider range of issues such as sexuality, family, the workplace, reproductive rights, de facto inequalities, and official legal inequalities. The third wave, from the 1990s, embraced individuality and diversity, challenging the definitions of what it meant to be a feminist. Today, the fourth wave of feminism is characterized by a focus on justice for women and is often associated with digital technology and social media, amplifying issues such as sexual harassment, body shaming, and the portrayal of women in the media.
Central to feminist theory is the analysis of gender inequality and the promotion of women's rights, interests, and issues. Feminists argue that gender stereotypes and roles can be oppressive and limiting to individuals, regardless of their gender. Feminism seeks to empower women by raising awareness, fostering empowerment, and generating changes in both public and personal spheres. Issues such as Patriarchy, GenderPayGap, reproductive rights, and GenderBasedViolence are frequently highlighted in feminist campaigns, reflecting the movement's broad agenda to address systemic injustices that affect women and, by extension, the wider society.
Moreover, feminism intersects with various other social justice movements, recognizing that gender issues cannot be fully understood in isolation from other systems of oppression. This intersectional perspective, a term coined by scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw, considers multiple factors such as race, class, sexual orientation, and disability, which compound the experience of inequalities. Thus, modern feminism aims to be inclusive and address diverse issues affecting all women, promoting solidarity and advocacy across different backgrounds and identities. By challenging traditional norms and advocating for equality and justice, feminism continues to be a dynamic and evolving movement aimed at fostering a more equitable society for all.