Womenduring

Womenduring is a neologism used in feminist discourse to describe the sustained endurance, resilience, and agency of women in the face of structural inequality. The term combines “woman” with “enduring” to emphasize that endurance is an active, ongoing practice rather than a temporary response to hardship.

Origin and usage: The term has appeared in feminist writings, online discussions, and social media since the early 2000s, though exact origins are difficult to pin down. It is employed as a descriptive concept, rather than a rigid theory, to capture both personal perseverance and collective solidarity across diverse communities.

Meaning and scope: Womenduring covers daily acts of care, resistance, and mutual support in settings such as family life, work, activism, and public life. It encompasses both visible acts of advocacy and quieter forms of endurance, including coping with discrimination, violence, and unequal labor burdens.

Reception and critique: Proponents say the term foregrounds women's resilience and leadership. Critics argue that it can unintentionally normalize hardship, shift focus away from needed policy changes, or imply that endurance is required of all women regardless of circumstance.

See also: resilience; emotional labor; feminist theory; women's rights.