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From quick flicks to leisure reads, here are 10 timeless feminist writings that every girl should read to understand the feminist discourse
For ages, feminist writings have been banned, and feminists censored, primarily because these writings shed light on the pervasive issues of gender inequality and social discrimination. Often, they are tied to the challenge of existing power structures, societal norms, and deeply ingrained biases.
They explore the systemic barriers faced by women and marginalized genders, such as wage gaps, limited access to education, healthcare disparities, and violence against women. They challenge societal stereotypes and biases that perpetuate harmful and limiting ideas about gender roles and identities.
The writings offer critical perspectives that encourage questioning traditional norms and expectations placed on individuals based on their gender. Even online, the conversations are largely in women’s spaces, talking about what women can or should do differently, or what institutional changes need to be made so that women can work with enough flexibility to go home early to cook dinner for their husbands and children.
The answer seemed to always be: “Well, no one can have it all.”
These writings question this very notional conclusion. If “having it all” means having a successful and fulfilling career while being an involved parent, plenty of men actually do have it all.
Feminist writings underscore the diverse experiences, mobilize empathy for the unique challenges faced by females, and amplify the voices, allowing readers to engage with diverse narratives and viewpoints.
In discussing the strategies for activism, they share stories of resilience and resistance that serve as a source of inspiration, providing ideas and motivation for taking action towards gender equality and social justice.
This will eventually aid in fostering a more informed, inclusive, and equitable world-view. It equips you with knowledge and insights that enable you to challenge the status quo, advocate for gender equality, and contribute to creating a more just and inclusive society for all.
From quick flicks to leisure reads, here are some timeless feminist writings that have had a significant impact on feminist discourse:
Adichie’s written account explores the importance of feminism in contemporary society and the need to continue the fight for gender equality.
Crenshaw discusses the concept of intersectionality and how it is essential to consider the different experiences of women based on their race, class, and other social identities within feminist discourse.
In her write-up, Watson highlights the significance of engaging men as allies in the feminist movement and how their involvement can contribute to dismantling patriarchal structures.
Michelle in this column explores the intersection of reproductive rights and feminism, discussing issues such as access to contraception, abortion, and maternal healthcare.
Calarco’s article examines the gender wage gap and challenges the common misconceptions surrounding this issue, providing evidence to debunk the notion that it is solely a result of gender discrimination.
The article explores the relationship between feminism and body positivity, emphasizing the need to challenge beauty standards and promote self-acceptance for all body types.
Katz delves into the connection between feminism and combating violence against women, highlighting the importance of addressing the root causes of gender-based violence.
Sarkeesian’s account discusses the portrayal of women in media and the ways in which feminist analysis can help critique and challenge harmful stereotypes and tropes.
This groundbreaking work, published in 1949, explores the concept of womanhood and the societal construction of gender, examining the ways in which women have been historically oppressed.
Published in 1963, Friedan’s book is often credited with sparking the second wave of feminism. It examines the dissatisfaction and lack of fulfilment experienced by many middle-class American women and critiques the societal expectations placed upon them.
It is time for you to read these timeless pieces and prompt discourses that dismantle patriarchal narratives, continue to shape feminist discourse, and inspire discussions on gender equity.
Recommended read:
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Trisha is an Advocate & Columnist. She is also a member of the academia at Harvard Business Review and Cambridge University Press. read more...
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UP Boards Topper Prachi Nigam was trolled on social media for her facial hair; our obsession with appearance is harsh on young minds.
Prachi Nigam’s photo has been doing the rounds on social media for the right reasons. Well, scratch that- I wish the above statement were true. This 15-year-old girl should ideally be revelling in her spectacular achievement of scoring a whopping 98.05% and topping her tenth-grade boards. But oddly enough, along with her marks, it’s something else that garners more attention – her facial hair.
While the trolls are driving themselves giddy by mocking this girl who hasn’t even completed her school yet, the ones who are taking her side are going one step ahead – they are sharing her photoshopped pictures, sans the facial hair, looking nothing less than a celebrity with captions saying – “Prachi Nigam, ten years later”.
Doctors have already diagnosed her with PCOD in their comments, based on photographic evidence. While we have names for people shamed for their weight – body shaming, for their skin colour- racism, for their age- age shaming, for being a female- sexism, this category of shaming where one faces criticism for their appearance has no name. With that, it also has zero shame attached to it.
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