What feminist actions have you taken?

[Gayle]

Gloria Steinem wrote an earlier book about "Outrageous Acts and Everyday Rebellion." What feminist actions have you taken and any results? If you include your age and country, I'll quote you in my book-in-progress about global youth activism. My actions are writing, such as books about women's culture and creativity, and calling people on their word choices--such as referring to administrative assistants as "my girl."

[Katelyn, Our Shared Shelf Moderator]

Great topic!!

-I use social media as a tool to promote factual media sources about feminist topics.
-I challenge the opinions of those who would (un)knowingly oppress women.
-I support my friends in their choices and actions, and come to their defense when needed.
-I have performed in benefit concerts for causes such as violence against LGBT folks in Uganda, and I also performed as part of a festival dedicated to women in music.
-Last year, I walked in a mostly student protest march in Baltimore in solidarity with the black community, in memory of Freddie Gray and against excessive use of force by police officers. I believe that in working with other activist groups with similar goals (equality), even if they are not devoted strictly to feminism, we can achieve more for everyone.
-I hope to focus on women, gender, and sexuality when I pursue my Ph.D.
-I've worked hard throughout my time as a student to rise into leadership positions within organizations (mostly unrelated to feminism), and used that privilege to help other women.

Beyond that, I'm sorry to say that I have not had the opportunity to do a lot of activism, but I hope to do more as opportunities arise. Unfortunately, my schedule generally doesn't allow me to do organizing myself, and I just moved to a new city a few months ago and am still learning the ropes, so I definitely need to find ways to get involved.

I'm 24 and from the United States.

[Gayle]

That's a lot! Thanks for sharing. Did you take Women's Studies classes?

[Lindsey]

I used social media to advocate feminism and not only that but I am the president of STAND club at my high school. This club helps raise awareness of the diverseness of the school. The number one thing I do to promote feminism is to treat everyone with respect and stand up for those who are being harmed and put down by the ignorant speech and actions of some of today's people.

[Kat]

Hi! This is an awesome subject to write about! I'm 14 (might seem a bit young) from Australia. As there aren't a lot of outlets for me to try and raise awareness about sexism in my area I've always found it quite hard to do so. Thus, I've found one of the best ways to promote feminism and equality is just to show people that I'm a girl, but I can be stronger than the boys, I can be just as courageous, I can be smart, I can enjoy video games. My best friend helps me by not being afraid to show his emotions, to cry in front of others if he's genuinely upset. This is the most we've been able to achieve so far, but we are doing well in smashing gender stereotypes in our area so far, and I'm so proud. I also stand up against anyone who, aware or unaware, is oppressing women in any way, and accept anyone who acts in effeminate or masculine ways, when others might tease them for it. I am currently trying to write (fiction) that will bring to light these sort of issues but unfortunately I do not hold much hope that it will ever be widespread enough to do any sort of difference.

These are about the only things I can think to do to raise awareness at the moment, but any thing I can do is still an improvement, right? Also, I really want to thank you for writing your book, because I believe it will help other youths like myself to realise that they can change things, whether in big ways or small ways. So, thank you!

[Lindsey]

I'm 17 and from America by the way!

[K.L.]

I'm from the USA and I'm 20.
I've written a dragon fantasy book (and I'm working on another) that has a strong female lead who struggles with her inner self and being in a role of authority rather than a role of submission. I decided to write it because many dragon fantasy books have male leading roles or have female leading roles who are there to look sexy and not do anything. So I had enough of it and wrote my own. Hopefully, I'll write more. I also discuss feminism with my family who are for equal rights. Lastly, I've shared Emma's HeforShe speech on Facebook and Twitter.

[Kellie]

I am teaching my 10 yr old son about the the struggles women have endured throughout history and how we are still fighting for our right to equality. I am also teaching him that all people regardless of gender, race, creed or sexual orientation are to be treated equally with respect and dignity.
I may no t be as vocal as others but I believe change begins in the home.

[Katelyn, Our Shared Shelf Moderator]

Gayle wrote: "That's a lot! Thanks for sharing. Did you take Women's Studies classes?"

Yes! I took graduate level classes in women's history and gender theory while pursuing my master's. My degree is in musicology, and when I pursue my PhD, I'll continue that track with a focus on women, gender, and sexuality.

[Sascha]

I'm not sure if you can really call the following actions "feminist" but however this is what I do in my little world...

Online Activism:

I do what I can to argue against misogynist and sexist views in debates, for example in forums of newspapers. Most of the time I try to remain factual but sometimes I get polemic and emotional in such debates which may be a problem but what can I do, sometimes it's hard not to get emotional in such debates. But my primary goal for participating in debates is education - to raise awareness and to learn new points of view myself.

I take a stand and position myself in debates with related issues. For example I wrote an article and I started a debate in a forum for computer games about the "Gamergate" affair. I tried to win support for Anita Sarkeesian who is a feminist and who is attacked harshly for her feminist critique of sexism and misogyny in computer games. My goal was to win people over to write an open letter in solidarity with Anita Sarkeesian together. Although there have been some interesting debates in the forum, unfortunately I failed to win support for an open letter.

Non-virtual Behaviour:

I do what I can to behave kindly and supportive and not behave like an idiot towards women. I deal with feminist content and debates to expand my horizon and to constantly have a dialogue with feminism. When I notice a situation where a woman feels uncomfortable because someone is harassing her then I do what I can to help her. I try not to make life harder for the women in my surrounding, for example by sharing responsibility in the household.

[Camille]

I'm 18 and I'm living in a small town in France.
Here it's like no one care about feminism, I don't see a lot of feminist actions. I try sometimes to talk about and share articles but it's like "Yes, yes you're right", certainly because I'm young. So all I can do for the moment is study (sciences, even if they don't understand that) and hope one day things will change.
Please excuse my english by the way ^^

[Ash]

I created a small community for a few hundred people, in support of HeForShe campaign in our social media network, and led it for a while; now it's kinda frozen. I've tried to participate in a few more gender equality activities that actually involved men but they were stagnating and eventually faded out. This is a specific of our region and country, there is no much real discussion about someone's rights at all, besides political rights of course. Yes, I'm from Russia.
Beyond those ones - I'm married, we raise our beautiful daughter, and I'm striving to be as good husband and father as I can. I support my girls, understand and respect their needs, their ambitions, and always there to help with anything. Is this enough to be a feminist, or a good person at least? I don't know, I don't even try to pretend. I'm just doing what actually feels right.

[Gayle]

Ash, raising a girl without limitations is huge. You might be interested in adding to my chapter on Russian young women's activism. I can email it to you. gkimball at csuchico dot edu

[Gayle]

It's what Gandhi said, be the change you want to see.

[Gayle]

You might find my two edited books on women's culture interesting, both from Scarecrow press. They include chapters by feminist musicians.

[Gayle]

Kat wrote: "Hi! This is an awesome subject to write about!

Would you like to add to it? Let me know what chapters interest you and I'll email them.
Part 1 Themes
Chapter 1 The Future is Female 43 pages
Meet Young Women Leaders; What Motivates a Youth Activist?; the Future is Female?; Uppity Girls’ Rising Aspirations and Activism; Feminism, the United Nations and Governments Stimulate Equality; Young Men’s Viewpoints

Chapter 2 Global Desire for Equality 41
Equality is Desired Globally, More Females Desire Gender Equality, Girls Want Economic and Social Equality, Claims that Women Leaders are More Peaceful, Feminist Organizing, Inequality Persists in All Countries

Chapter 3 Global Status of Young Women 43
Rural Vs. Urban Sex Roles, Feminization of Poverty, Education, Health, Violence

Chapter 4 Consumerism Targets “Girl Power” 40
Materialistic Consumers of Products and Entertainment?; Teen Identity Through Consumption; Social Unrest from Rising Expectations; How Youth Are Manipulated by Multinational Corporations; Negative Consequences of Consumerism; Youth Views about Getting Rich; Traditional and Modern Beliefs: Moving Towards the Middle

Chapter 5 Global Media Both Helps and Inhibits Girls 42
Global Media is Pervasive, Global Media Provides New Information, Media Exposure Makes Youth Opinionated and Brave, Global Media Sells Consumerism, Media Addiction Creates Dumb Zombies

Part 2 Regions
Chapter 6 Feminist Waves in the West 49
Second Wave Feminists of the 60s, Women’s Studies, Inequality Persists, Generation Gap, Third Wave Response, Rejection of Feminism?, Fourth Wave

Chapter 7 Brave Women in Muslim Countries 61
The Middle East, Women and Islam, Iran, Tunisia, Yemen, Libya, Morocco, Turkey, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia

Chapter 8 Egyptian Revolutionaries 36
Traditional Male Dominance; Education; A Pioneering Feminist: Dr. Nawal El Saadawi’s Egyptian Union for Women; Young Women in the Revolution; After the Revolution; Sexual Harassment Persists

Chapter 9 Women in Developing and Emerging Countries 56
Women and Development, Latin American Youth Issues, African Issues and Activists

Chapter 10 Feminism in India, an Emerging Superpower 52
Youth Issues, The Gap Between the Rich and the Poor, Hybrid Youth Culture and Attitudes, Youth Activism in Politics, Traditional Sexism, Feminism

Chapter 11 Socialist Countries--China and Russia 58
Part 1: China: The Setting, Traditional Beliefs, Rural vs. Urban Youth, Youth Issues in an Era of Change from Maoism to Capitalism, Current Chinese Issues
Part 2: Russia: History, Attitudes Towards Feminism, Consumerism and Glamour, Putin’s Nationalism vs. Rebels
gkimball at csuchico dot edu

[Ash]

Gayla, thank you very much, I really appreciate that! But I'm not sure if I personally had something valuable to add. While I know some people out there with very rich real experience in this field, so I could try to help you to get in touch with them.
Besides, my own current views may somewhat interfere with goals of the book, and I don't want them to baffle anyone.

By the way, I'm reading through your blog, there is so much cool information! Thank you for your effort!

[Gayle]

Ash wrote: "Gayla, thank you very much, I really appreciate that! But I'm not sure if I personally had something valuable to add. While I know some people out there with very rich real experience in this field..."

Hi Ash, hopefully you and friends could read through the Russia section to check for accuracy and currency. If OK, email me and I'll send the chpt. gkimball at csuchico dot edu

[Ash]

Gayle wrote: "email me and I'll send the chpt"
Just sent you a message :-)

[Claire]

Kat wrote: "Hi! This is an awesome subject to write about! I'm 14 (might seem a bit young) from Australia. As there aren't a lot of outlets for me to try and raise awareness about sexism in my area I've always..."

I think what you've done so far is awesome! Keep up the good work! I am very opinionated but I have trouble expressing my opinions to people who don't agree with me or don't have that much knowledge on the topic. There have been so many people at my old school who have treated women horribly or said offensive things, and I've always had trouble standing up to them without losing my temper! It's hard for me to keep calm, I guess, because it just angers me when people say sexist or offensive things to girls. I hope this club will help me form my opinions and thoughts better without losing my chill!

[Andrea]

I've not done much, I think. But for a couple of years, I have focused my actions into my own behavior. For example, changing my language or the expressions in everyday life (such as not saying stuff like "you're such a pussy" or "man up").
I have talked to my friends about what feminism really is (most of the people I know have the idea that it's about giving privileges to women only)

[Andrea]

also, trying for my classmates to understand that men have the right to dress or act or eat whatever they want without being called gay or something. This happened because once someone said that a friend (male friend) was eating "girl food", as if there manly foods or something like that. This was just too much for me to bear... and made me realize how important and necessary it is to spread feminist ideas.
my actions have been in my own behavior and on a small local scale, but I guess that's where we all start from...
*sorry for my English.
I'm 26, from Costa Rica

[Alexandra]

I've signed petitions on change. org; it's very easy to do and it can really make a difference!

[Alexa]

I started and am the president of the feminist club in my school!

[Hannah]

I am not afraid to stand up for those being oppressed.
I challenge those who choose to not educate themselves on feminism (which happen to be women most of the time)
I rally, promote, and fully support Planned Parenthood
I support my friends no matter the situation or decision regarding his/her life.
I read and reread books on feminism to better understand my position and to better understand the philosophy which is so often misunderstood.
Change.org petitions are also a great way to get involved!

[Heather]

I am absolutely a feminist and I hate it when people think that is a dirty word or that I am on a mission to destroy all men. I work in a juvenile detention center in Northern Minnesota USA. As I talk to the teens I work with every day I always correct them when they say things like "you throw like a girl" I start a conversation about why being a girl is not an insult. Why calling something "gay" is wrong, and why males having emotions other than anger is a normal human thing. Most of the kids I work with are not the most open to what I have to say but I say it anyway because even if they don't agree with me they absorb all the information I give them like a sponge. I hope I am planting a seed now that made grow later. I am on constant watch for opportunities to show them a different way of thinking. Working with at risk youth is an uphill battle on many fronts but I always try to include some feminist teaching to round out the other parts of their program.

[Katelyn, Our Shared Shelf Moderator]

Heather, that's amazing. You're awesome.

[Gayle]

Alexa wrote: "I started and am the president of the feminist club in my school!"
Could you tell us more about what action you take? How many are involved? Guys too? Affiliation with a national group like NOW? thanks,

[David]

From my experience, the most important first step to take as a feminist is to simply learn more about it. I certainly didn't consider myself one until I began to delve deeper into the history of the word and how it has evolved and what it means today. Not that my behaviour or my philosophies where opposed to feminism, the word just simply never came up. Now that I know much more about it and have realized that many of my friends and the people I interact with on a daily basis share these beliefs, it has made discussing and carrying out these beliefs in everyday life much more meaningful.

In terms of tangible actions, I volunteer ~5 hours a week at an immigrant and refugee centre created by immigrant women and refugees to help newly arrived immigrant women and refugees. The centre has evolved to include both genders, but the directors and staff are pretty much all female. I mostly supervise a youth group in activities and excursions around the city, helping them acclimate to the country and our way of life (and the cold!). Creating an environment where gender equality is enforced is an important aspect of this position, and it's one of the reasons why I love doing it so much. I am also a tutor during their homework club, which can be fun and frustrating in equal measure! I have an English Teaching certificate, which does come in handy when you're trying to assist a newly arrived student from a non-English speaking country with their homework.

There are many more actions that I'd love to take, and hopefully most will come to fruition sooner rather than later!

[Julie]

Kellie wrote: "I am teaching my 10 yr old son about the the struggles women have endured throughout history and how we are still fighting for our right to equality. I am also teaching him that all people regardle..."

That's great, Kellie. For mothers with sons, teaching them how to respect equality between women and men is a great start.

[Gayle]

Gayle wrote: "Gloria Steinem wrote an earlier book about "Outrageous Acts and Everyday Rebellion." What feminist actions have you taken and any results? If you include your age and country, I'll quote you in my ..."

I admire people who are fluent in second languages and suggest they don't need to apologize for imperfect English. The point is we understand what you're saying. I'd be in big trouble if I tried to write in the French I studied in uni.

[[deleted user]]

I was just about to open a new thread about everyday life action we can take to strengthen women's role in society (especially in those in which most people seem to think that equality is already achieved), but it seems this is already the right place to discuss this.

I'm more of a rebel in the small things. As with the other topics I care about, I like to take small steps in everyday life. For example, this week my favourite vegan burger shop had a new spicy burger on their menu. The not-so-spicy alternative was listed as 'girlie version'. I am acquainted with the owners of the shop and when I paid my bill I asked, in a normal and friendly tone, why they had called it 'girlie version', implying that women are not as tough as men - that I, as a woman, couldn't eat the spicy version. I don't know if the following short (and still friendly!) discussion changed anything, but at least I tried. I'm not a person to angrily storm out of a restaurant or scowl at people because they said something which they surely didn't mean - most of the people just repeat what's been taught to them and this itself is not a crime. I think talking and explaining calmly helps the most in most cases.

Anyone else has the same approach to these matters?

[Gayle]

Humor goes a long way. When someone talks about a woman employee as a girl, I ask, "You're employing child labor?"