As promised, I would come back to you with more content and information on Feminism. I presented an introduction to the movement and hope to have enlightened you more on the meaning. As said before, Feminism is the collective name for social and political movements that question the equality of everyone, but especially women. In recent years, Feminist movements have attracted significant attention in Europe and North America. But to this day forward many women still say they do not identify with the term. Today I would like to inform you about the current issues Feminists are fighting and why there is a rejection against it.

Where are we now?

Since 2012, the fourth wave of Feminism started, which is a new phase focused on the empowerment of women, the use of internet tools, and centered on intersectionality. I know it sounds scary and very serious, but it basically means understanding certain social and political identities that use privilege and discrimination. For example, it is inappropriate to say the word “Nigger” if you are not black. It can be assaulting if you do use it. The last waves fought for and earned women greater liberation, individualism, and social mobility. The fourth wave continues to push against problematic gendered norms in society.

So, how might the Feminists fight problematic gendered norms?

In the past few years, Feminists made use of the prints, news, and many social media platforms to collaborate, mobilize, and speak against abusers of power in seeking the empowerment of women. Recent events have shown some real, girlpower moments with the use of Social Media for Feminism. A day after the inauguration of the USA President Donald Trump, millions of people around the world joined the 2017 Women’s march to highlight women’s rights. Besides this, another defining moment came when sexual harassment claims were made against film producer Harvey Weinstein by more than 80 women (which he all denies).

And let’s not forget the big online movement,, MeToo, a movement started by activist Tarana Burke in 2006. But was highlighting by actress Alyssa Milano in 2017 who suggested that anyone who had been “sexually harassed or assaulted” should reply to her tweet with, MeToo. This led to half a million responses in the first 24 hours within more than 80 countries. In addition to this, she was one of the first women who claimed harassment against producer Havey Weinstein which led to other women opening up about their experiences with him.

Many other celebrities have publicly highlighted Feminism, including actresses Emma Watson, who launched an equality campaign with the United Nations, and “body positivity warrior” Jameela Jamil.

So, how come not everyone is a Feminist?

These events have helped to bring Feminism to mainstream attention. But this has not gained more popularity among young women in the Western world. Why not might you wonder?

Research has shown that people in the USA believed in gender equality 50% more in 2016, than in 1977. This means people indeed care about gender equality. However, it could be that they do not feel the term “Feminism” speaks to them. Like I mentioned in the first article about this topic, the word 'Feminism' can be misleading. With all the publicity and popularity of Feminism in the past years on Social Media, a vague image of the actual message and meaning of Feminism has been created.

Therefore, I find it important to inform you about the actual meaning of Feminism. Feminism is for everyone and stands for equality between everyone. The reason they mainly focus on women is that history and research have shown women are more likely to not be treated equally than men. I would like to inform you more about this history and research, to show you the reason Feminism exists. But for now, follow @Feminist on Instagram for more information and content on this subject. And if you want to have more detailed information, you should visit the website: Astria.