Feminism in Contemporary Time

1. Feminism in Contemporary Time
Presented by Upasna Goswami

2. 👉Name : Upasna Goswami
👉Roll no : .20
👉Enrollment no. : 4069206420220012
👉Sem : 3
👉Paper Name : Contemporary Western Theories and Film Studies
👉Paper no. : 204
👉Paper Code : 22409
Submitted to : S. B. Gardi Department of English
👉Email: goswamiupasna339@gmail.com

3. Table of Content
Historical Context
Traditional vs
Modern Feminism
MeToo Movement
Contemporary Feminism in
the digital world
Feminism and Film

4. Definition of Feminism
Feminism is the belief in gender equality, encompassing social, economic,
and political aspects. It aims to secure equal rights for all, regardless of
gender, and seeks to eradicate sexism and intersectional oppression based
on factors like gender, race, sexuality, and class.

5. Historical Context
1. 19th Century - First Wave Feminism:
- Emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- Focused on women's suffrage and legal rights.
- Achieved women's right to vote in several countries.
2. 1960s - Second Wave Feminism:
- Addressed a broader range of women's issues.
- Challenged traditional gender roles and discrimination.
- Advocated for reproductive rights and workplace equality.
3. 1990s - Third Wave Feminism:
- Emphasized diversity and intersectionality.
- Intersectionality recognized the experiences of women of different
races, sexual orientations, and backgrounds.
- Digital media played a significant role in activism.
4. 21st Century - Contemporary
Feminism:
- Continues to address gender
inequalities.
- Focuses on issues like sexual
harassment, pay equity, and gender-
based violence.
- Includes global movements and
online activism.

6. Traditional vs Modern Feminism:

7. Key issues contemporary Feminism
Gender Equality: Advocating for equal rights and opportunities for people of all genders in various
aspects of life, such as education, employment, and politics.
Intersectionality: Recognizing that feminism must address the unique challenges faced by individuals
at the intersections of gender, race, sexuality, and class.
Reproductive Rights: Protecting women's rights to make decisions about their bodies, including access
to contraception and safe, legal abortion.
Gender-Based Violence: Combating domestic violence, sexual harassment, and human trafficking
while supporting survivors.

8. Gender-Based Violence: Combating domestic violence, sexual harassment, and human
trafficking while supporting survivors.
Representation: Promoting women's participation and leadership in traditionally male-
dominated fields and roles.
Body Positivity: Promoting self-acceptance and challenging unrealistic beauty standards and
body shaming.
Online Harassment: Combating online harassment and abuse that disproportionately affects
women in digital spaces.

9. MeToo Movement
The Me Too movement, often expressed as
#MeToo, is a social change effort that gained
prominence in late 2017. It began with actresses
sharing their experiences of sexual harassment in
the film industry and has since become a symbol
of solidarity for women who've faced sexual
harassment, often by male colleagues.
In 2017, actress Alyssa Milano magnified Burke’s
rallying cry, turning it into the popular #MeToo,
which continues to trend on social media
platforms like Twitter and Instagram.

10. here are a few notable examples of #MeToo
movement:

11. Feminism Examples
The Right to Vote : The demand for women's right to vote, known as the suffragette movement,
marked the beginning of modern feminism in the West. While property-owning women and those
from colonized territories gained voting rights in the 1800s, New Zealand became the first
independent country to grant all adult women the right to vote.
Equal Access to Education:Women and girls worldwide encounter educational barriers. In Western
nations, gender bias hinders female representation in STEM fields. In other places, socioeconomic
and political factors restrict girls' access to secondary education. For instance, in Afghanistan, girls
have been denied secondary education since the Taliban's rise to power in August 2021.
The Right to Choose What to Wear:Women and girls have historically faced clothing restrictions,
such as tight swimsuits and bikinis being unacceptable in parts of Europe until the 1960s. In Iran,
since 1979, women have been mandated to follow Islamic dress codes, including headscarves and
long coats. Notably, some Muslim feminists advocate for the right to wear headscarves in places
like France and Quebec, where such rights are limited.

12. The Right to Own Property: Until the nineteenth century, married women were not allowed to be
property owners. These restrictions included obtaining inheritance and owning land (Geddes &
Tennyson, 2013).
Breaking the Glass Ceiling –: The "glass ceiling" signifies hidden obstacles that hinder women's career
advancement. Despite their presence in the workforce, men still dominate managerial roles. Feminists
work to combat the systemic discrimination and bias upholding this barrier (Williams, 2013).
Being Safe from Gender-based Violence –Women and girls worldwide face disproportionately high
rates of harassment and abuse, resulting in lasting Women and girls worldwide face
disproportionately high rates of harassment and abuse, resulting in lasting physical, social, and
psychological effects. In the 2010s, the #MeToo movement emerged as a platform on social media,
allowing survivors to reveal their abusers (Strauss Swanson & Szymanski, 2020).physical, social, and
psychological effects. In the 2010s, the #MeToo movement emerged as a platform on social media,
allowing survivors to reveal their abusers (Strauss Swanson & Szymanski, 2020).

13. Contemporary Feminism in the digital world:
Online Activism: Social media platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok have become powerful tools
for raising awareness about feminist issues, sharing stories, and organizing movements.
Intersectionality: Contemporary feminism emphasizes intersectionality, recognizing that gender issues
intersect with race, sexual orientation, and more, leading to a more inclusive approach.
Online Campaigns: Hashtags such as #MeToo, #BlackLivesMatter, and #TimesUp have harnessed the
digital world's reach to address gender and racial inequalities.
Online Harassment: The digital world has also exposed the prevalence of online harassment and
cyberbullying, highlighting the need for safe online spaces.
Political Engagement: Feminists use digital platforms to engage in political advocacy and support
women's representation in government.

14. Feminism in film refers to the
examination of gender roles,
representation, and equality
within the movie industry. It
encompasses the push for more
diverse and empowering female
characters, as well as increased
opportunities for women in
behind-the-scenes roles. Many
films have played a pivotal role
in highlighting feminist issues
and promoting gender equality.

15. Does the world still need feminism?
Yes, feminism is still necessary today because global gender inequality persists, as
evidenced by the 2022 Global Gender Gap Report. The COVID-19 pandemic
worsened the situation for women, impacting their economic well-being and
increasing gender-based violence. Additionally, women are disproportionately
affected by climate change. Empowering women leads to more sustainable
decisions, improved food security, and reduced energy demands.

16. In contemporary times, feminism remains a crucial
movement advocating for gender equality and challenging
gender-based discrimination. It has made significant
progress in various aspects of society, but challenges
persist. Achieving true gender equality requires ongoing
efforts and awareness, but feminism continues to be a
powerful force for positive change.
Conclusion

17. References

18. Thank you!