WordNet
n. the movement aimed at equal rights for women [syn: feminism, women's liberation movement, women's lib]
Wikipedia
The feminist movement (also known as the women's liberation movement, the women's movement, or simply Feminism, refers to a series of political campaigns for reforms on issues such as reproductive rights, domestic violence, maternity leave, equal pay, women's suffrage, sexual harassment, and sexual violence, all of which fall under the label of feminism and the feminist movement. The movement's priorities vary among nations and communities, and range from opposition to female genital mutilation in one country, to opposition to the glass ceiling in another.
Feminism in parts of the western world has gone through three waves. First-wave feminism was oriented around the station of middle- or upper-class white women and involved suffrage and political equality. Second-wave feminism attempted to further combat social and cultural inequalities. Third-wave feminism is continuing to address the financial, social and cultural inequalities and includes renewed campaigning for greater influence of women in politics and media. In reaction to political activism, feminists have also had to maintain focus on women's reproductive rights, such as the right to abortion.
Usage examples of "feminist movement".
What kind of revolution had the feminist movement been when it had been limited to rich Western nations, while the women who made up ninety percent of the rest of the world's female population remained mired in the muck?
None of this, I hasten to add, is intended to bring the feminist movement, or things pertaining to their gender, into disrepute.
Arlington, VA : Why are women like Ingraham and Coulter so anti-feminist when they have reeped many benefits of the feminist movement?
First married at high tide of the feminist movement, Anna had kept her own last name.
Two of the most potent social campaigns of the past half-century were the civil rights movement and the feminist movement, which demonized discrimination against blacks and women, respectively.