feminista

Feminista is a term used in Spanish and Portuguese to describe a person who advocates for feminism or to refer to ideas and movements connected to feminism. As a noun, feminista denotes a person who supports gender equality and women’s rights; as an adjective, it relates to feminist ideas, theories, or practices.

Origin and usage: The word derives from the root feminine (femin-) combined with the -ista suffix, following patterns in romance languages. It has been in regular use since the 20th century to describe activists, scholars, and organizations promoting equality.

Scope and movements: Feminism encompasses diverse strands, including liberal, radical, socialist, and intersectional feminisms. Feministas may work on legal reforms, anti-violence campaigns, education, political representation, and cultural change. In different regions, priorities vary, from reproductive rights to violence prevention and economic opportunity.

Contemporary usage: The term is generally neutral but may be embraced as a political identity or used pejoratively depending on speaker and context. It often coexists with plural forms referring to various feminist traditions and with broader debates about gender, race, sexuality, and class.

Related topics: feminism, feminist theory, gender equality, women's rights.