Feminist Movement
The potential return of Donald Trump as president could have serious implications for women, both in the United States and around the world. In 2016, his rise to power led to a surge in global feminist activism. This time, however, the atmosphere is different. There is a growing sense of fear and uncertainty.
The Aftermath of Trump’s 2016 Victory
After Trump’s win in 2016, women around the globe united to resist his policies. The Women’s Marches became a symbol of this collective action. Thousands of women took to the streets, with participants from every continent, including Antarctica. These marches were part of a larger wave of feminist movements. They included social movements from Latin America’s Green Wave to reproductive rights protests in Poland, South Korea, and Ireland. This moment represented a time of unprecedented solidarity among women.
Cracks in Unity
Today, that initial unity seems more fragile. Divisions among feminists have grown clearer and more pronounced. Tensions that surfaced after the 2017 Women’s March have continued to widen.
A notable image from that year features activist Angela Peoples. She held a powerful sign that read, “White women voted for Trump.” This image highlights significant fractures within the feminist movement. Many white women supported Trump despite his history of sexual misconduct and policies targeting women’s rights. Their choices have left many women of color feeling disheartened and angry.
One participant expressed that instead of marching, white women should have voted against Trump. This sentiment encapsulates ongoing frustrations about a feminist movement that often feels exclusive to certain groups of women.
Layered Divisions
In recent years, these divisions have deepened further. The discussion about including trans women in the feminist movement started during the Women’s March and continues to create rifts. Some feminists focus on gender identity politics rather than fostering unity among all women.
Furthermore, the promises of international feminist solidarity, which once seemed strong with liberal U.S. influence, have crumbled. The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 marked a severe blow for Afghan women. They had been promised protection, only to be abandoned when the Taliban regained control. This betrayal has led many feminist movements worldwide to question the reliability of Western promises of solidarity.
The Situation in Gaza
Recent events have added another layer of complexity to the issue of feminist solidarity. In Gaza, U.S.-made bombs strike women and children. For many, marching for women’s rights in America feels insincere when their country is complicit in violence elsewhere.
The idea of global solidarity becomes increasingly hard to imagine when one’s country contributes to the suffering of others.
Hope for Solidarity
Despite these challenges, some advocates refuse to abandon the idea of women’s solidarity. Natasha Walter, a passionate feminist, believes that solidarity is not just an ideal. It is something people must practice daily.
Walter emphasizes that genuine activism isn’t about grand gestures. Instead, it involves showing up for one another during tough times. This could mean providing legal assistance, food, shelter, or care. Women around the world continue to step up for each other. From Northern Ireland to Canada, Iran to Peru, they are supporting one another, often in quiet and unseen ways.
The Roots of Material Solidarity
This material solidarity is grounded in shared experiences of marginalization and oppression. Even if it is not as visible as before, it is still alive and well. The feminist movement’s massive marches and rallies may not occur as frequently, but the spirit of solidarity remains.
As global right-wing populism rises, this solidarity becomes even more crucial. It thrives not on large displays of activism but through everyday acts of kindness and support. Walter believes that even though the feminist movement faces obstacles and setbacks, the roots of solidarity will eventually flourish again. They may emerge in unexpected places, far from the spotlight.
Resilience in Uncertain Times
In these uncertain times, Walter’s faith in women’s resilience remains strong. The fight for survival and the pursuit of justice may change, but the feminist movement will endure. Women will continue to resist against oppression, support one another, and stand firm in their rights.
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