What is feminism?
There is no single definition of feminism, but it is widely understood that feminism is an ideology,
approach, practice and movement that seeks to end patriarchal systems of oppression.
Gender critical feminism
Gender critical feminism, known as the trans exclusionary feminism or TERF is an ideology or
movement that opposes what it refers to as a gender ideology. The concept of gender identity
especially gender self-determination. TERF movement believes that biological sex cannot be changed.
They reject the concept of transgender identities and opposes transgender rights.
Feminism in an intersectional form: ▪
Intersectionality forces us not only to understand ourselves in relation to the systems that oppresses us
but also to those that privilege us. Standpoint or location become important compasses to use in an
intersectional approach. Therefore, it is imperative to note that both trans and cis women are all trying
to survive in a patriarchal world, thus experience an intersectional level of trauma and discrimination.
Embracing the spirit of collective struggles
It is important to realise the different ways in which woman experience the world and also to
recognize the many ways in which both cis and trans women have different experiences in how they
navigate the world. The fact that some experiences differ does not invalidate the fact that many
experiences are shared experiences. Therefore, it is important to invest time and energy as diverse
women to better understand each other’s fears and vulnerabilities in an intersectional feminist
solidarity and gender justice spaces.