Feminist movement in the context of "Women's rights"

Activism consists of efforts to promote, impede, direct or intervene in social, political, economic or environmental reform with the desire to make changes in society toward a perceived common good. Forms of activism range from mandate building in a community (including writing letters to newspapers), petitioning elected officials, running or contributing to a political campaign, preferential patronage (or boycott) of businesses, and demonstrative forms of activism like rallies, street marches, strikes, sit-ins, or hunger strikes.

Activism may be performed on a day-to-day basis in a wide variety of ways, including through the creation of art (artivism), computer hacking (hacktivism), or simply in how one chooses to spend their money (economic activism). For example, the refusal to buy clothes or other merchandise from a company as a protest against the exploitation of workers by that company could be considered an expression of activism. However, the term commonly refers to a form of collective action, in which numerous individuals coordinate an act of protest together. Collective action that is purposeful, organized, and sustained over a period of time becomes known as a social movement.

Pride is a human secondary emotion characterized by a sense of security with one's identity, performance, or accomplishments. It is often considered the opposite of shame and, depending on context, may be viewed as either a virtue or a vice. Typically, pride arises from praise, independent self-reflection, and/or a fulfilled feeling of belonging.

The word pride may refer to group identity. Manifestations include one's ethnicity. It is notably known for Black Pride, which gained historical momentum during the U.S. Civil Rights Movement. Then, it became known for independence struggles—Feminist Pride, rooted in the women's rights movement with gender equality struggles and sexual identity (for example, Gay Pride or LGBT Pride, rising in visibility following the Stonewall riots). In this context of minority groups, the display of pride is in defiance of people outside of the minority in question trying to instill them with a sense of shame. There is also the sense of pride that can accompany national identity (patriotism), regional identity, or other affiliations (e.g. proud to be a university alumnus). In this context, the pride is more literal.

Sexual ethics (also known as sex ethics or sexual morality) is a branch of philosophy that considers the ethics or morality of human sexual behavior. Sexual ethics seeks to understand, evaluate, and critique interpersonal relationships and sexual activities from social, cultural, and philosophical perspectives. Some people consider aspects of human sexuality such as gender identification and sexual orientation, as well as consent, sexual relations and procreation, as giving rise to issues of sexual ethics.

Historically, the prevailing notions of what is regarded as sexually ethical have been linked to religious teachings and philosophy. More recently, the sexual revolution challenged traditional ethical codes, and the feminist movement has emphasized personal choice and consent in sexual activities, especially for women.

Feminism is a range of socio-political movements and ideologies that aim to define and establish the political, economic, personal, and social equality of the sexes. Feminism holds the position that modern societies are patriarchal—they prioritize the male point of view—and that women are treated unjustly in these societies. Efforts to change this include fighting against gender stereotypes and improving educational, professional, and interpersonal opportunities and outcomes for women.

Originating in late 18th-century Europe, feminist movements have campaigned and continue to campaign for women's rights, including the right to vote, run for public office, work, earn equal pay, own property, receive education, enter into contracts, have equal rights within marriage, and maternity leave. Feminists have also worked to ensure access to contraception, legal abortions, and social integration; and to protect women and girls from sexual assault, sexual harassment, and domestic violence. Changes in female dress standards and acceptable physical activities for women have also been part of feminist movements.

The history of feminism comprises the narratives (chronological or thematic) of the movements and ideologies which have aimed at equal rights for women. While feminists around the world have differed in causes, goals, and intentions depending on time, culture, and country, most Western feminist historians assert that all movements that work to obtain women's rights should be considered feminist movements, even when they did not (or do not) apply the term to themselves. Some other historians limit the term "feminist" to the modern feminist movement and its progeny, and use the label "protofeminist" to describe earlier movements.

Modern Western feminist history is conventionally split into time periods, or "waves", each with slightly different aims based on prior progress:

The feminist movement in Norway has made significant progress in reforming laws and social customs in the nation, advancing the rights of the women of Norway. It emerged in the 19th century as part of the liberal feminist tradition, centered on women's rights to education, suffrage, and political participation, with the liberal Norwegian Association for Women's Rights as the dominant organization. Today, the movement is marked by a strong fourth wave of feminism, emphasizing intersectionality, inclusivity, and solidarity across gender, sexuality, race, ability, and class, with initiatives such as the Initiative for Inclusive Feminism at the forefront. In 2025, 25 feminist organizations and academic communities came together to adopt the consensus statement "No feminism without trans people: We stand together for an inclusive feminism."