feminismi

Feminismi, or feminism, is the belief in social, political, and economic equality of the sexes and the movement that seeks to realize that principle in practice. It challenges discrimination, stereotypes, and power structures that have historically privileged men over women and other marginalized groups.

Historically, feminism is described in waves. First wave (late 19th–early 20th centuries) pursued suffrage and legal rights; second wave (1960s–1980s) targeted workplace equality and reproductive rights; third wave (1990s–2000s) emphasized diversity and intersectionality; the fourth wave (2010s–present) uses digital activism to address online harassment and broader equality.

Different strands include liberal, radical, socialist, cultural, and transnational feminism. They share the goal of reducing gender-based hierarchy and expanding access to education, employment, and legal protections, but differ in methods and emphasis on how change should be achieved.

In Finland and other Nordic countries, feminismi has shaped public policy through anti-discrimination laws, parental leave, childcare, and efforts to increase women’s political representation. Globally, feminism intersects with human rights, development policy, and labor movements, while debates continue about strategy and inclusion.

Critics argue that some approaches overlook men or ignore race, class, sexuality, or disability. Proponents maintain that addressing systemic gender inequality benefits society as a whole and that feminism must adapt to changing social conditions and diverse experiences.