HUMANISING THE REVOLUTION: FEMINIST ACTIVISM AND THE LIVED EXPERIENCE OF GENDER EQUALITY

Abstract

This article reconceptualises the discourse on feminist activism and gender equality through a humanist lens. Moving beyond theoretical abstraction and statistical quantification, it argues that the true measure of the feminist project lies in its capacity to humanise—to restore, affirm, and expand the full humanity of all individuals, irrespective of gender. The article traces the historical evolution of feminist activism, examining how different waves have grappled with the dehumanisation inherent in patriarchal structures. Through an intersectional and phenomenological framework, it explores key battlegrounds—the body, the home, the workplace, and the digital sphere—as sites where the struggle for humanity is most acutely felt. It critically engages with the movements’ internal complexities, including tensions around inclusion and the challenges of backlash. Ultimately, the paper posits that gender equality is not merely a destination of equitable distribution but a continuous, collective practice of creating a world where every person can live a life of dignity, autonomy, and connection. Feminist activism, in its most potent form, is the hands-on labour of that humanisation.