What is feminism really, why is it still needed, and why talk of equality still causes controversy – let’s figure it out together.Feminism is not just a women’s rights movement. It is a broad social phenomenon that encompasses the struggle for equal opportunities, freedom of expression, protection from violence, and reconsideration of established roles in society. Although the word itself evokes controversy, the essence of feminism is often much simpler and closer than it seems.
We figure out what exactly is behind the term: from its origins to the present day, from its basic principles to criticism, from different forms of feminism to real changes in the lives of millions of people. And most importantly, why feminism remains relevant in 2025.
The essence of feminism in simple words
eminism is the idea that women and men should have equal rights and opportunities in society. In the broadest sense, it is the fight against gender discrimination and for freedom of choice – in profession, family, politics, culture.
A simple example: feminism is when a woman is not fired because of pregnancy, is not limited in salary, is not forced to endure domestic violence or sexual harassment at work. This is also about men who are allowed to be vulnerable, take maternity leave or not conform to the stereotype of the “breadwinner”.
Feminism does not say that women are “better”, does not cancel love, motherhood or femininity. It says: a person should have a choice – who to be and how to live, without imposed scenarios and double standards.
Basic principles of feminism
Feminism as an ideology is built on several key principles that unite different currents and waves of the movement. The ideas underlie the struggle for justice and equal rights:
- equality of opportunity: women and men should have equal access to education, work, politics, medicine and all other areas of life;
- the right to bodily autonomy: every person has the right to control their own body, for example, their appearance and sexuality;
- freedom from discrimination: gender should not limit a person in their choice of profession, hobby, clothing, or lifestyle;
- support for vulnerable groups: feminism includes the fight not only for the rights of white women, but also for equality for everyone: women of different races, people with disabilities, older women and other groups subject to multiple discrimination;
- critique of patriarchal structures: feminism opposes systems in which power and control are distributed unevenly and assigned to men by default;
- recognition of domestic and emotional labor: caring for family, children, and household chores is a full-time job that has long remained invisible and unpaid.
History of Feminism
The history of feminism is not a single movement, but a succession of waves, each of which reflected the demands of its time. Women have always fought for their rights, but the goals and methods have constantly changed.
First wave (19th – early 20th century)
It began with the fight for basic civil rights. Women demanded access to education, the right to own property, and, most importantly, the right to vote. Suffragettes in Great Britain and the United States became symbols of this stage. The first wave proved that women were full citizens and had the right to participate in political life.
Second wave (1960s–1980s)
The focus shifted from formal equality to real equality. Women fought for the right to work, equal pay, access to contraception, and protection from sexual violence. It was during this period that feminism began to actively talk about sexual freedom, the role of women in culture and media, and to formulate the concept of “public and private” as political.
Third wave (1990–2000s)
The wave emphasizes the diversity of women’s experience. Feminism becomes less universal and more aware of the intersections of gender with race, sexuality, class, and culture. Women from different communities began to speak on their own behalf and introduce their own agendas. The third wave actively argues with some of the ideas of the second and raises the topic of “the right to be anyone”: sexual, domestic, aggressive, weak, strong.
Fourth wave (2010s to present)
Modern feminism is digital, fast and global. It develops through social media, flash mobs and online activism. The main topics are: harassment, culture of violence, equal representation, sexual consent, inclusivity. It was at this time that campaigns like #MeToo emerged and interest in feminism increased among young people.
Types of Feminism
Feminism is not a single movement with a single ideology, but a multitude of currents with different approaches to issues of equality, power, freedom, and the structure of society. Below are the main types that have shaped the debate within and outside the feminist movement.
Radical feminists believe that patriarchy is not just a cultural phenomenon, but a fundamental social structure that needs to be completely changed. They focus on the systemic nature of women’s oppression, including sexual violence, pornography, and sexualization in the media. Radfems oppose any form of exploitation of the female body and criticize liberal feminism for its “superficial approach.”
Libfem advocates for equal rights through gradual reforms. The main idea is that women should have equal access to all spheres of life: politics, education, the labor market. This is the most “integrative” form of feminism, which fights for equal rules of the game without affecting deeply rooted cultural codes. It is liberal feminists who most often participate in legislative work and in changing institutional norms.
Intersectionality is an approach introduced by Kimberly Cranshaw. It takes into account that discrimination is made up of many factors: gender, race, class, disability, etc. Intersectional feminism emphasizes that the experience of a white woman from a metropolis is not equal to the experience of a person with a disability or a migrant woman. This is the most inclusive and modern direction.
Ecofeminists draw a parallel between the oppression of women and the destruction of nature. They believe that patriarchy underlies the exploitation of both women and the planet. Ecofeminism combines the fight for gender equality with the environmental agenda.
Contemporary issues of feminism
Although feminism has made significant changes, inequalities persist in many countries and areas. Contemporary feminists raise issues that directly affect the quality of life, safety, and freedom of choice for millions of women and marginalized groups.
Despite formal equality in the law, women still face discrimination at work, lower pay, limited career growth and stereotypes. This is especially evident in leadership positions, science, IT and politics.
Domestic and sexualized violence
The problem of domestic and extra-familial violence remains one of the most acute. Many women do not feel safe in their own homes or on the street. At the same time, in many countries, victims do not receive adequate protection and access to justice. Feminism seeks recognition of these problems as systemic, not individual.
Sexualization and appearance pressure
From an early age, girls are expected to have a certain appearance, behavior, and “femininity.” Objectification, beauty standards, harassment on social media and in the porn industry — all of this creates unrealistic expectations and psychological pressure. Feminism fights for women’s right to be themselves, without imposed roles.
The Problem of Invisible Labor
Housework, caring for children, elderly relatives, emotional support – all require time and effort, but are almost never paid and often not recognized as another job. Modern feminists are seeking social and economic recognition of this work.
The Impact of Feminism on Society and Culture
Feminism has changed not only the legal system, but also culture, media, language, and everyday life. Many changes that seem natural today are the result of decades of feminist struggle:
- the right of women to vote and be elected: today this is considered the norm, but a hundred years ago women in most countries were deprived of a political voice;
- access to education and professions: women were given the opportunity to study at universities, become doctors, scientists, lawyers and company managers;
- legal protection against violence: the introduction of laws against domestic violence, stalking, sexual harassment and coercion is the result of pressure from feminist movements;
- Changes in language: Feminism has influenced the awareness of the importance of gender neutrality in language, calling for the removal of sexist expressions and the modification of professions to the feminine gender;
- new representation in cinema and literature: female heroines are no longer required to be “muses” or “victims” – they become the main characters, the subjects of the story, and not its scenery;
- Supporting male liberation from stereotypes: Feminism has given men the opportunity to talk about their feelings, to be fathers, partners, caring and vulnerable, without losing respect.
The priceless gift of feminism is the freedom of choice. Feminism has had a colossal impact on society, swinging the pendulum of history and changing the trajectory of the destinies of millions of women. It gave a voice that today sounds in parliaments, universities and the offices of large corporations. Women received not only the right to choose, but also to be elected, occupying previously “closed” professions – from astronauts to diplomats.
We cannot attribute these achievements to the good will of men – they are the result of a persistent, long-term struggle. A struggle in which symbolic corsets and crinolines were thrown off not only from bodies, but also from minds. Women were given the opportunity not only to wear trousers, but to choose their own path and their own way of life.
Today, girls receive an education without restrictions, learn ancient languages, become champions in sports, engineers and surgeons. This is the result of a feminist agenda that does not impose scenarios, but opens doors.
It’s time to admit it: women are not the service sex. They are equal individuals with talent, will, and ambition. And they not only follow the changes, they themselves become their driving force.
The Main Thing About Feminism
- Feminism is a movement for equal rights and freedoms regardless of gender.
- it combats discrimination, violence, stereotypes and unequal access to opportunities;
- the history of feminism is divided into four waves, each of which raised important issues for its time;
- There are different types of feminism: radical, liberal, intersectional and others – each with its own approach;
- contemporary feminism is relevant: it talks about violence, bodily autonomy, gender roles, rights to work and self-realization;
- Feminism has influenced laws, culture, fashion, language, media representation and education;
- This is not about “against men”, but about “for equality” – for everyone.