What is microfeminism and why it can be more than a trend on TikTok
2024-09-18 12:53:56
TiranaPost
The ways to fight patriarchy are countless: demonstrations in the square, proposed laws, debates and associations, ideological battles in the various areas where it appears and small daily actions, which, in the long term, can make a difference.
The latter is the case of microfeminism, an increasingly popular movement on social media, especially on TikTok, and the emblem of the urgency of a multitude of women spread around the world to contribute concretely, every day, to the fight against the legacy of of the past.
What is it about? How is microfeminism articulated? And why is it important?
What is microfeminism?
The term microfeminism is derived from the union of the words 'micro', 'small' and 'feminism' and refers to that series of actions, behaviors and practices implemented every day and with the clear objective of eradicating patriarchy and its countless aspects.
The main objective is, in fact, to highlight the sexism and abuse that women regularly suffer and act to promote equality.
Everyday examples are:
challenge sexist comments and encourage a more inclusive and equal attitude;
recognition of microaggressions;
encouraging women's empowerment and autonomy, questioning gender dynamics and encouraging young women;
building communities and support networks, capable of creating a common front against discrimination.
The birth of the TikTok trend
Producer Ashley Chaney started this 'trend' and shared a short video on TikTok last March in which she stated that:
When I send an email to a CEO and I need to let the assistant know to set up an appointment, if the assistant is female, I always put her email address first and then the CEO's email address. It's one of my favorite forms of microfeminism.
The video was posted with the hashtag #microfeminism, and immediately began a series of similar content, in which several women began to explain their personal everyday microfeminism. For example, in another video advocate Katie Wood recommends always taking it for granted that there are women in leading roles so that the idea starts to become internalized and normalized.
Could microfeminism be more than a trend?
Microfeminism, however, can and should be more than just a social media trend.
The reasons why it may constitute more than a passing trend are the following:
microfeminism can be considered a 'modern evolution' of feminism, able to respond to the new needs and experiences of the people who belong to it;
the sequence of actions, although individual, can have a systemic impact on the socio-cultural context in which they occur, accumulating and leading to significant and common changes;
microfeminism helps spread awareness, knowledge and sensitization on issues of gender discrimination, facilitating structured changes within society and conscious action;
acting concretely to bring about tangible change, finally, creates a structured community of individuals fighting for the same cause, capable of shaping society not only in social media, but also in the workplace, in the bar with friends or at the supermarket.
But what are these small, meaningful gestures that we can implement in our daily lives?
use language that is as inclusive and respectful as possible (eg business person rather than businessman);
do not feed stereotypes and gender bias in conversations (eg manager = man);
awareness of close people on issues related to gender equality;
respond constructively to microaggressions and sexist comments and support those who are their victims through support and solidarity;
giving "girly" toys to male children and vice versa;
support company policies that focus on gender equality, diversity and inclusion and pay transparency;
division of housework and child care, which should not always be delegated to housewives alone.
