Olivia Woods – Contributor 

Feminism has gone micro, and that’s exactly where the impact is happening. Microfeminism is a new approach to feminism that is gaining momentum. Historically, people think of feminism as suffragettes, burning bras, protests, being anti-men or equal pay. But microfeminists are changing how people engage with feminism. Popularized in 2024 by Ashley Chaney, little acts of feminisms (hence, microfeminism) are actions to dismantle patriarchal ideals and challenge gender norms. 

Patriarchy is a social system organized where men occupy most positions of authority and influence in social, economic and political life. We live in a patriarchal society that not only oppresses women but also enforces strict gender roles. Gender norms hurt everyone. They dictate that women must be polite and quiet while men must be emotionless and strong. You’d think that by 2025 we’d be past these outdated garbage ideas, but we’re not. Yes, there have been strides for change, but gender norms are still extremely present. 

Microfeminisms are small, intentional acts for equity. They don’t attack individuals, they challenge unconscious gender norms rooted in patriarchy. 

I love microfeminisms and use them most days, but here are my favourite ones. 

Not moving on the sidewalk 

“Sidewalk sexism” happens when women subconsciously move aside to make space for men. Refusing to move is not in an attempt to be rude, it’s about unlearning the taught idea that women should shrink themselves and stop accommodating men who don’t even notice. To date, I’ve walked into six men waiting for me to move. 

Not using male as neutral 

The default for gender-neutral shouldn’t be male. We often assume a doctor, CEO or firefighter is a man. Inclusive language is a microfeminist act. Instead of “he,” use “they” when you don’t know someone’s gender. Instead of “fireman,” say “firefighter.” Small shift, big impact. 

Flipping gendered language 

One of my favourite microfeminisms is flipping gendered terms right back. If people say “girl boss,” why not “boy boss?” “Girl boss” only exists because “boss” is subconsciously male-coded. Flipping it shows how absurd gendered terms really are.

The same goes for casual sexism disguised as friendliness. If someone calls me “sweetheart,” “honey” or greets a group with “hi girls,” I match the energy: “hi boys,” or “thanks, sweetheart.” It makes people hear how they really sound. 

Taking up space 

Women are taught to be quiet, small and unassuming. A core microfeminism is taking up space, sitting with your legs uncrossed, making eye contact, speaking loudly and directly. It’s not about taking up space just because you can, it’s about feeling comfortable being yourself. 

Other microfeminisms include naming all sports by gender (not just women’s), writing “Mrs.” before “Mr.,” being assertive in male-dominated spaces, holding doors open for men, speaking up when interrupted and stopping unnecessary apologies. These small, everyday flips remind people that their actions and words have an impact. 

It can be mentally and physically draining to constantly be trying to dismantle the patriarchal system. It’s easy to burn out and feel like the work you are doing isn’t amounting to any systemic change. But there’s power in all actions to challenge gender norms, regardless of how big or small. Small actions lay the foundation for not only challenging the patriarchy but also fostering a society of respect and inclusion. Microfeminisms have been labelled as “man-hating.” These can feel like they are pointed towards men, but in a patriarchal society where women and non-binary people are oppressed in every day of their lives, microfeminisms are striving for gender equity. 

Gender equity is for everyone, regardless of their gender, to be treated equally and justly. When you live in a society that centers and gives men more power, striving for gender equity might rebalance some of those privileges men hold. Losing power can feel like being oppressed. When you are accustomed to privilege, the creation of an equitable society can feel suppressive. Everyone benefits from the removal of gender norms, even if not everyone is ready for that conversation. Everyone should be encouraged to live their best lives regardless of societal pressures to behave or act a certain way. I have yet to meet someone whose gender is the most interesting thing about them; people are so much more than that. The sooner we utilize microfeminisms and implement them into our daily lives, the sooner we can dismantle the oppressive systems in our society.