Everyday Feminism and why we need it  

Care warning: this article mentions violence and suicide 

Right now, the world is caught in a moment of regression, division, and for many fear. We know that 1 in 3 women will experience violence in their lifetime. This rises for those who are indigenous, disabled or LBTQI+. Far right ideologies are fuelling the erosion of human rights and environmental justice across the world. Geopolitical tensions are rising, and peace is fragile. Rates of femicide have risen in Kenya and, in Afghanistan, women continue to have their rights and freedoms stolen and their identities erased from society by the Taliban. 

In the UK, Black women are six times more likely to experience serious birth complications than white women. Only 5 per cent of girls feel completely safe in public spaces. Though men are more likely to experience  substance abuse and more likely to die by suicide than women, only 36 per cent of referrals for therapy to the NHS are from men.  

While these statistics are true, they don’t tell the full story. At the root of this all, is patriarchy and all that it fuels and reinforces. And it’s harming everyone. 

So, what is the antidote? How can we envision something different, fairer and better? Something other than the patriarchal system that isn’t working? Feminism. 

From small acts to activism

Feminism is often misunderstood, criticised and co-opted. Some believe that it’s anti-men rather than pro-equality. Feminists working to remedy harmful patriarchal norms, experience backlash and live in fear for their safety.  

But feminism means equality for all people, regardless of gender and is built on community, equity and inclusion. It envisions a world where people of all genders thrive together, in antiracist and decolonised societies. In this world, people and planet are prioritised over profit. Here, there’s no room for unequal power structures, hate or division but instead, unity, collaboration and strength. 

In the wake of all we are facing, feminist activists and movements are continuing to rise up, to speak up and demand a better future. They organise, get laws changed, and consistently harness their creativity and innovation to protect women, girls and their communities everywhere.  

The work of feminist activists, organisations and movements shapes the path to a gender equal future. But you don’t need to be a full-time or career activist to call yourself a feminist or ally. You just need to turn your belief in a gender equality and an equal world into action every day, no matter how small. This is Everyday Feminism. 

“Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing.” ― Arundhati Roy 

Everyday Feminism is a powerful tool that we can equip ourselves with, where our daily acts contribute to a feminist and more equal future. It shows that we all hold the power to bring about meaningful change in our homes, communities and the world.  

From feminist activists leading change through their courageous work, to small everyday acts of resistance happening in our homes and schools, Everyday Feminism is a global movement of people, dedicated to equality and a better future for everyone. 

In this time of division, Everyday Feminism is the anchor we need to stay hopeful and stay committed to a more joyful collective vision.  

‘Little by little fills the cup’ – Kiswahili proverb 

Everyday Feminism: The Anthology 

Three years ago, Womankind launched its Everyday Feminism campaign to show that we all hold the power to bring about meaningful change in our homes, communities and the world. For International Women’s Day 2025, we continue to celebrate the work of feminist activists and the power of Everyday Feminism.  

In feminist collaboration, we have created ‘Everyday Feminism: The Anthology’ – a collection of 10 stories. In this book, you will hear from 10 feminists from across the global movement, all making waves in their contexts and their feminist work. They are:

• Editar Ochieng (Kenya)
• Sakhile Sifelani-Ngoma (Zimbabwe)  
• Gloria Mutyaba (Uganda) 
• Maryam Rahmani (Afghanistan) 
• Anne Agar (Kenya) 
• Lily Thapa (Nepal) 
• Thandiwe Chidavarume (Zimbabwe) 
• Dibabe Bacha (Ethiopia) 
• Srilatha Batliwala (India) 
• Dinah Musindarwezo (Rwanda) 

Sharing the often unheard stories of feminist activists is a cornerstone of the work of feminist organisations and movements. It is a way for feminist knowledge and expertise to be passed through generations, helping to maintain the momentum and strength of our movements. This book is a reminder to us all of how far we’ve come and how vital it is that we stay committed to achieving gender equality and a feminist future. We can’t wait for you to read it. 

What is your daily act of Everyday Feminism?

Everyday Feminism: The Anthology is available for free online. Get your copy here. Womankind teamed up with the LAM Sisterhood, an award-winning story company who work to fill the world with stories for African women to feel seen, heard and beloved, to write the book, and Lulu Kitololo an incredible creative and illustrator to design it.