[WAVES OF FEMINISM AROUND THE WORLD]

Tracing back to the eighteenth century, Mary Wollstonecraft—an English writer, philosopher, and advocate for women’s rights—once wrote: “I do not wish women to have power over men; but over themselves.” Might it be that, in order to achieve the widespread influence we witness today, feminism had already begun to take shape long ago within the flow of human history—emerging through distant milestones, enduring countless upheavals and transformations, and being strengthened by successive movements and waves? Now, let us join VFSA in turning back to the past and reflecting on the stages of feminism across the world. 

To briefly revisit the concept of feminism, the feminist movement can be understood as a series of political and social activities, as well as ideological currents, aimed at defining and establishing equality for women across political, economic, cultural, and social spheres. Through this process, feminism seeks to reform issues related to discrimination against women. Topics such as reproductive rights and the right to vote all fall within the scope of feminism and the feminist movement. Although feminism originated with a focus on women in particular and gender equality more broadly, a comparative perspective shows that each stage of the feminist movement has exhibited distinct characteristics shaped by differing conditions, historical contexts, objectives, and forms of action. It can therefore be said that feminism worldwide is commonly divided into three major waves, each with its own defining features. 

In the first two waves, the feminist movement focused on laying the groundwork, with its most fundamental goals being the pursuit of basic rights and the fight against social injustice. The first wave emerged in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, initially centered on securing women’s basic rights, including the right to education, employment, and suffrage. This wave gained significant momentum in Western countries, with participation largely coming from white, middle- and upper-class women. It was followed by the second wave, which unfolded roughly between 1918 and 1968. During this period, feminism continued to advocate for women’s equality in political and cultural spheres, while also advancing further in the establishment of fundamental rights. Most importantly, the second wave placed greater emphasis on dismantling gender stereotypes—for example, elevating women’s status and voice, and striving for equality with men. Feminist activities during this time also expanded in scale, as movements increasingly organized themselves into larger groups with clearer orientations and objectives in order to amplify their influence. 

The final wave began to emerge in the mid-1990s, and despite benefiting largely from the preceding movements, this phase still had to confront issues stemming from deep-rooted prejudices and lingering negative sentiments from the second wave. The third wave strived for women's right to freedom of choice, hoping to establish a conducive environment for female autonomy. Naturally, in the face of a rapid global transition, women refused to be excluded from the process of change, and as a result, activities impacting individuals gradually gained more attention, as individuals themselves became a prerequisite for the betterment of society. Alongside the progress of feminism, the emergence and widespread use of social media platforms have played a significant role in amplifying women's roles and disseminating feminist ideals, contributing to the ongoing demonstration that women truly constitute an integral part of humanity."

Throughout the course of 150 years, world history has witnessed the turbulence of the feminist movements, and notwithstanding the shared objective of creating a more just society, the difference between the zeitgeist of each movement is discernible. From the 19th century to the end of the 20th century, the first two movements were induced by the growing demand for the fulfillment of women’s basic rights as well as the equality between women’s social status and that of the men, with the preponderance of participants being white housewives with limited access outside of their homes. Building on the achievements of the two previous movements, the third wave consolidated and emphasized raising awareness and modern feminism. Their primary focus includes disseminating knowledge among young girls, advocating sexual liberation, free will, and protecting them against rape and racism. At this point, the feminist movement had become more inclusive, concerning women ranging from all races and ages, even women from the LGBTQ+ community. Through this, the impetus, directions, and scales of each movement are observable; all of the three movements were aimed towards a commendable end goal of establishing a society in which women can lead contented lives and are uninhibited in their self-expression.  

Since then, the feminist movement has made a profound impact, helping to consolidate women’s position and elevate them as a force worthy of recognition in society. One of the most prominent outcomes is International Women’s Day on March 8—a special occasion dedicated to honoring and celebrating women around the world. This day originated from deep outrage against the brutal exploitation and oppression imposed by capitalist factory owners. On March 8, 1899, female textile workers in factories and workshops in Chicago and New York staged powerful protests demanding better working conditions and rights. This milestone victory significantly encouraged women’s struggles and laid the groundwork for subsequent feminist movements. Later, on August 26–27, 1910, the Second International Conference of Working Women, held in Copenhagen, Denmark, with the participation of 100 delegates from 17 countries, officially decided to designate March 8 as International Women’s Day. In 1975, the United Nations formally recognized March 8 as International Women’s Day, and two years later adopted a resolution affirming it as a day for women’s rights and international peace. Since then, March 8 has become a global celebration of women—honoring half of humanity and reaffirming the commitment to gender equality. Vietnam, of course, is no exception to this global progressive movement. In Vietnam, March 8 also commemorates the uprising of the Trung Sisters (Hai Ba Trung)—the nation’s first female national heroes, who led a rebellion against foreign domination from the North. Their legacy forms a powerful source of pride and inspiration for Vietnamese women. During times of war, Vietnamese women actively participated in resistance movements, fulfilling revolutionary responsibilities entrusted to them by the Party and the State. In times of peace, they have been no less remarkable—contributing tirelessly through supporting soldiers, increasing production, eradicating illiteracy, and advancing social development. As President Ho Chi Minh wrote in his letter to Vietnamese women on the occasion of International Women’s Day on March 8, 1952: “The beautiful brocade of Vietnam’s mountains and rivers has been woven and embroidered by our women, young and old alike, making it ever more splendid and radiant.” Indeed, in every historical period, Vietnamese women have made immense contributions—enriching the proud tradition of heroism, resilience, loyalty, and diligence passed down through generations.  

The development of feminism as we know it today is the result of a long process of struggle and persistent effort by voices calling for justice, equality, and the rights to live, to love, and to be oneself. Each movement took root in the most fundamental human needs, driven by women themselves—women who sought to raise their voices in defense of their own rights and refused to carve themselves down to fit the outdated and rigid norms of their time. Although the journey toward equality is not yet fully complete, it is undeniable that each stage and every step forward has contributed to creating a better life for women around the world—allowing them to spread their wings and reclaim the freedom and equality they rightfully deserve. 

Author: My Ha
Researchers: Minh Hong, An Phuong
Translators: Tran Ha Phuong, Linh Bui