feminist

Adjective

feminist (not comparable)

1. Relating to or in accordance with feminism.

Noun

feminist (plural feminists)

1. A person who supports the equality of women with men.
2. A member of a feminist political movement.
3. One who believes in the social, political, and economical equality of the sexes.

Feminism refers to political, cultural, and economic movements seeking greater, equal, or, among a minority, superior rights and participation in society for women and girls. These rights and means of participation include legal protection and inclusion in politics, business, and scholarship, and recognition and building of women's cultures and power. Its concepts overlap with those of women's rights. Feminism is controversial for challenging traditions in many fields and especially for supporting shifting the political balance toward women. Some feminists argue that men cause and benefit from sexism; while others argue that all people are harmed by gender roles and therefore that feminism is for women and men. Feminists are persons of either sex, or females only (in which case males may be profeminists), who believe in feminism.

Feminist theory emerged from these feminist movements and includes general theories and theories in a variety of disciplines. Feminist activists have campaigned for women's rights—such as in contract, property, and voting—while also promoting women's rights to bodily integrity and autonomy and reproductive rights. They have opposed domestic violence, sexual harassment, and sexual assault. In economics, they have advocated for workplace rights, including equal pay and opportunities for careers and to start businesses.

The movements and theoretical developments were historically led predominantly by middle-class white women from Western Europe and North America, but, since then, more women have proposed additional feminisms.