Identifying as a female in this world is an interestingly fascinating experience. I am not exaggerating when I say that I am reminded of my gender every second of every day—a realisation I came to embarrassingly late in my journey (just now). Yet, as I move through this existence and learn more about what it means to be a woman, the less angry I get.
Weird, right? Most feminist literature I read (social media included), emphasises its frustration with our seemingly slow progression as a society, the benchmark being the suffragettes over 100 years ago, of course. These angry feminists are right, it is incredibly upsetting, and the brunt of the blame continues to be placed on men—that, I think, is where we are going wrong.
Fourth-Wave Feminism
To use proper terminology, I identify as a ‘girl’s girl’: a modern philosophy originating on TikTok in 2024. A ‘girl’s girl’ is someone who sees girls as comrades, not competition. They do everything in their power to uplift other women: supportive of their goals; showers them with compliments at any given opportunity; tells them if they have something in their teeth. Overall, a ‘girl’s girl’ is someone who recognises the journey of women in society, and strives to water the seeds of empowerment planted by the suffragettes and their successors.
Alice Walker is the perfect example of a ‘girl’s girl’. In her book/collection of essays, In Search of Our Mothers’ Gardens (1974), Walker coins the term ‘Womanist’, defined by a list of criteria, that which pertains most to my point, however, is as follows: ‘A woman who loves other women, sexually, and/or nonsexually’. Walker, and her characters, supported their fellow women despite—and in spite—of the setbacks they faced individually and together. I highly recommend her book, The Colour Purple, by the way, if you haven’t already read it. It’s heartbreakingly beautiful.
Why Female Unity is Feminism’s Most Powerful Tool
We are stronger when we stand together. Walker’s Womanism emphasises the importance of community and mutual support, her strong spirit of female solidarity is at the heart of what I believe fourth-wave feminism should strive for. (Some) men may be the problem yes, but how can we expect any different if we continue to perpetuate the stereotype of ‘bitching’? We should opt to hype each other up—the way we do without question in a club bathroom! Gossip is a cheap conversation starter, and our net worth is more than that.
How Do I Become a Feminist?
Kindness, compassion, and empathy are three qualities I try to filter my thoughts through before I project them. Reminding ourselves that everyone is on their own journey—and that the mean face they pulled could be the result of a bad day or a bad smell in front of them—is important. Assuming the best of everyone’s intentions is overall a much more pleasant way to live.
I challenge you (all genders!) to aim to make a woman’s day better whenever possible—whether that’s complimenting their outfit or hair, or showing support for their dreams or achievements. Making someone’s day is likely to make yours as well. ‘Womanist is to feminist as purple to lavender’.
