What Are Three Waves of Feminist Movement in West

Feminism is a significant subject in gender studies. History of feminist struggle is marked by the efforts of various individuals and organizations. These efforts have been divided into three phases of history, also known as the three waves of the feminist movement. The waves of the feminist movement are historically traced back to have originated in the West and then eventually spreading to other countries in the world, including Pakistan. From the first book focusing on women’s rights written by Mary Wollstonecraft in 1794 to the spread of the Me Too movement all over the world in the 21st century, the fight for the attainment of women’s rights remains an ongoing process. These movements also left their impact on Pakistani society and the Pakistan feminist movement.

First Wave of the Feminist Movement in the West

The first wave of feminist movement brought about awareness among people, especially women, regarding the unfair treatment of women in all aspect of life. This wave symbolizes the start of struggle to give women equal political and legal rights.

Historical Evolution of First Wave of Feminism

1. Mary Wollstonecraft’s A Vindication of the Rights of Woman

In 1794, Mary Wollstonecraft realized how women’s contribution in the French Revolution had been neglected and so wrote her famous book, A Vindication of the Rights of Woman, to bring to light the struggle that women had undergone. This was the first time that anyone had written about the lack of recognition given to women and the rampant discrimination against women. According to Mary Wollstonecraft: “A woman who strengthens her body and exercises her mind will, by managing her family and practising various virtues become the friend and not humble dependent on her husband.”

2. Seneca Falls Convention in 1848

This was the first time that people were seen to be actively struggling for the rights of women. In 1848, 300 men and women gathered in New York to discuss the civil and political rights of women. They formulated a document called the Declaration of Sentiment which contained the list of resolutions for the equal treatment of women, including the right to vote. Elizabeth Cady Stanton, an important figure in the feminist movement said: “The world has never yet seen a truly great and virtuous nation because, in the degradation of women, they fountain of life are poisoned at their source.”

3. Lingam Palace Circle The Start of the Feminist Movement in Britain

In the 1850s, a group of individuals campaigned for the equal rights of educational and political rights of women in Britain. This became the first organized movement for women’s rights in Britain.

4. Sojourner Truth “Ain’t I a Woman?”

In 1851, Sojourner Truth gave a speech titled “Ain’t I a woman” in which she talked about how women are as capable as men and can do equal amounts of work. While talking about equality, she said in her speech: “We do as much, we eat as much, we want as much.”

This was a significant turning point as black and white women joined forces to fight for women’s rights after this.

Contextual Background

1. Post Civil War: Reconstruction Period

The end of the Civil War in the USA was followed by a period of reconstruction in which rights for black Americans were ensured by the government of the USA. This led to a growing resolve among women to get equal rights for themselves as well.

2. Progressive Era and Women’s Role

During the progressive era, the problems in American society were brought attention by Muckraking Journalists. These problems also included the denial of suffrage rights for women. People actively campaigned for women to gain voting rights.

Objectives of First Wave of Feminism

The major objectives of the first wave of the feminist movement were to attain political and legal rights for women that would grant then equal voting rights. Thus, the first wave of the feminist movement is also known as the Suffragist Movement.

Major Organizations Formed During First Wave of the Feminist Movement

1. American Women’s Suffrage Association (AWSA)

This organization was also formed to fight for the suffrage rights of women in the 1870s and was in rivalry with the NWSA.

2. National Women’s Suffrage Association (NWSA)

The organization was formed by Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony in the 1880s.

3. National American Women’s Suffrage Association (NAWSA) 

This organization was formed in 1890 after the merger of NWSA and AWSA. The merger took place due to the realization that the cause of achieving suffrage rights for women would be better facilitated if people remained united.

19th Amendment Passed in 1920

In 1920, women were finally granted equal voting rights after the constitution of America was amended by the passage of the 19th Amendment. This was a victory for the feminist who had long struggled to attain equal voting rights.

Second Wave of Feminist Movement in West

The second wave is known as one of the successful movements because awareness about the lack of women’s rights spread around the world. In America, it was extremely successful and this can be attributed to two major reasons:

1. Civil Rights Movement coincided with the Second Wave of the Feminist Movement

2. Anti-Vietnam War Movement in the USA

Due to these movements, people were already on the streets, agitated. The feminists took advantage of the situation and launched their feminist agenda which gained unexpected support and popularity.

The objective of the Second Wave of Feminism

1. Political Rights

The second wave demanded constitutional amendments that would give women equal representation in all walks of life. They wanted to add an amendment that would declare women to be equal to men.

2. Economic Rights

There was also an increasing demand for the integration of women into the workforce instead of being forced to work just at homes. The fight against glass ceilings was also a part of the second wave. Feminists also demanded equal funding opportunities for women.

3. Sexual Freedom 

The second wave feminists worked on legal and political recognition of domestic violence and sexual harassment. They also campaigned for women’s reproductive rights.

    

Start of Second Wave Betty Friedan’s Feminine Mystique

In 1963, Betty Friedan wrote a book, The Feminine Mystique. This book is known for its impact which actually helped to start the second wave of the feminist movement. The book talked about fighting gender stereotypes enforced upon women. Betty Friedan was also a strong proponent of economic equality for women.

Activism and Organizations During the Second Wave

1. National Organization for Women (NOW)

This organization was founded by Betty Friedan in 1960 and aimed towards the mainstreaming of women into American society.

2. Chicago Women Liberation Union (CWLU)

This was an organization that was formed in 1969 and its main goal was to counter gender inequality and sexism.

3. Raising Slogans To Create Awareness

Various slogans were used to create awareness about discrimination against women. These included: “women’s liberation”, “boring jobs, women wanted”, “low pay, wanted women.”

4. Anti-Miss America Pageant Movement

Due to the activism of radical feminists, there was a movement against the Miss America Pageant because it was thought to objectify women. There was a call to end this event.

Major Victories for the Second Wave Feminists

• In 1963: Betty Friedan’s book led to JFK forming “Presidential Commission on the Status of Women”. Equal pay act passed

• In 1964: Civil rights act passed

• In 1972: Women education equity act passed

• In 1974: Equal credit opportunity act was passed

Third Wave of the Feminist Movement in West

The third wave of feminist coincided with the time when the world was undergoing great changes due to globalization. Under the impact of globalization, the feminist movements were also globalized. It was no more limited to just one country. It spread all over the world and included women from all nations, colours, races and fields. The movement became extremely significant as it did not just focus on females, rather the focus shifted towards the social construction of gender.

Objectives of the Third Wave of Feminism

The objectives of this wave of feminism were slightly different from the previous waves of feminism.

1. Women’s participation in politics

2. Promoting women’s interest in women’s issues

3. Opposing derogatory labels

4. Inclusion of women belonging to various colours and nationalities

5. Making feminism transnational and global

Cyber Girls Get Online

The third wave of feminism also coincided with the increasing use of the internet all over the world. Feminists took advantage of this and used the internet to spread awareness and create female connectivity.

Activism During the Third Wave of Feminism

1. Third Wave Direct Action Corporation

This was an organization founded by Rebecca Walker and Shannon Liss to support young activists in 1992.

2. Fourth Women’s Conference

The fourth conference was held in Beijing to discuss women’s problems and formulate strategies to overcome these problems.

3. Me Too Movement 2006

This is a relatively recent development in the feminist movement and was started by Tarana Burke. The Me Too hashtag appeared all over social media as people spoke out against sexual harassment and sexual violence.

Victories and Achievements of the Third Wave of Feminism

• In 1991: Opportunity 2000 launched in the USA to create professional opportunities for women

• In 1992: Declared “Year of Women” after the election of many female senators in elections

• In 1993: Family and medical leave act passed

• In 1994: Marital rape declared illegal and violence against women act passed

Influence of Waves of Feminism on Pakistan’s Feminist Movement

The women in Pakistani society have been fighting for equal rights since the inception of the country. The waves of the feminist movement in the west also created impacts in Pakistan and helped to stimulate the fight for the rights of women. The first wave of the feminist movement did not influence Pakistan because the country was not formed at that time. The second and third wave, however, did manage to influence the Pakistani feminist movement.

Influence of the Second Wave of Feminism

1. All Pakistan Women’s Association (APWA)

This was a voluntary, non-profit organization formed by Rana Liaqat Ali Khan in 1949 to promote the social and economic welfare of women.

2. Women Action Forum (WAF)

This was an organization that was formed during the Zia regime in Pakistan. It worked to counter the negative impact of Hudood Ordinance on women in Pakistan.

3. Dupatta Jalao Movement

The Dupatta Jalao movement took place in 1982 and was inspired by the west’s bra-burning movement. This movement asked for equal political and economic rights for women.

Influence of Third Wave of Feminism on Pakistan’s Feminist Movement

1. Ministry of Women’s Development 

This was a step taken under the Musharaff’s Presidency and it mirrored the President’s Commission on status of women formed by J.F. Kennedy. The ministry was formed to appraise the president of women’s condition in Pakistan and to formulate policies for improving conditions of women.

2. Protection of Women from Sexual Harassment

This bill was passed to protect women from workplace harassment. The western countries were already demanding an anti-workplace harassment policy sine the early 1990s and this helped the feminist movement in Pakistan to demand a similar policy.

3. Anti-Rape and Anti-Domestic Violence Bill

The two acts passed also show the influence of the western feminist wave, as Pakistani society moved towards a much-needed openness that not only led to discourse but also action against the protection of women from sexual violence.

4. Impact of Me Too Movement in Pakistan

The global movement that was started to combat sexual harassment also created ripples in Pakistani society as women and men from all fields of life came forward with their instances of sexual violence.

5. Development of Gender Studies in Pakistan

As a result of the global feminist movement, also called the third wave of feminism, Pakistani universities introduced Gender Studies as a discipline. This helped to further the impact of the feminist movement and also to create awareness in Pakistani society about the social construction of gender.

Critical Analysis

The three waves of the feminist movement were and still are extremely useful in giving women equal rights and in breaking down gender stereotypes. In Pakistan, however, the movements left much to be desired. This can be attributed to firstly, the false notion that granting women rights goes against the principles of Islam, secondly the lack of education and thirdly the restrictions placed upon women by traditions and customs of Pakistan. It is for this reason that women in Pakistan have been subjected to various forms of discrimination.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the three waves of the feminist movement were important in creating events that ed to greater rights and opportunities for women. From the right to vote to the breaking down of gender stereotypes, the three waves of feminism movement helped women all over the world in gaining unprecedented opportunities in a political, legal and economic sense. The waves also impacted the feminist movement in Pakistan by creating awareness which led to the passage of many acts.