Protestors for women's rights have been taking drastic measures to support their cause since British suffragist Emmeline Pankhurst led hunger strikes and chained herself to the railings outside parliament in the early 20th century. Avid feminists continue to spark controversy today, most recently with the bare-breasted protests of feminist group FEMEN.
The group, which is Ukrainian-founded and based in Kiev and Paris, describes themselves as "fighting patriarchy in its three manifestations — sexual exploitation of women, dictatorship and religion." The protests these self-dubbed "sexremists" led aren't peaceful: Women have jumped on official's cars, slammed Islam, and been arrested for their efforts—all while topless.
The group has a large online following including thousands of Twitter and Facebook followers, and a frequently updated, extensive website. This has given them plenty of media spotlight for their outlandish efforts. While they've gained significant attention, how effective are their protests? Karima Brini, founder of Femme et citoyenneté, a Tunisian association for women and citizenship, claims that protests such as these can do more harm then good, as the general public will associate these radical acts with organizations peacefully working for women's rights.
Do you think that these protests do more harm than good? Sound off in the comments below!
-
I Went to Taylor Swift's Eras Tour—Here's My Guide to Eras DressingBroken down by Era, duh.
-
Lindsay Lohan Just Shared a Photo of Her Baby Bump While Soaking Up the Sun in a Black Swimsuit
Baby coming soon!
-
Chrishell Stause Asks Fans to "Keep It Fun" as Nicole Young Receives Death Threats Amid Their Ongoing Feud
Not OK.
-
36 Ways Women Still Aren't Equal to Men
It's just one of the many ways women still aren't equal to men.
-
EMILY's List President Laphonza Butler Has Big Plans for the Organization
Under Butler's leadership, the largest resource for women in politics aims to expand Black political power and become more accessible for candidates across the nation.
-
Want to Fight for Abortion Rights in Texas? Raise Your Voice to State Legislators
Emily Cain, executive director of EMILY's List and and former Minority Leader in Maine, says that to stop the assault on reproductive rights, we need to start demanding more from our state legislatures.
-
Your Abortion Questions, Answered
Here, MC debunks common abortion myths you may be increasingly hearing since Texas' near-total abortion ban went into effect.
-
The Future of Afghan Women and Girls Depends on What We Do Next
Between the U.S. occupation and the Taliban, supporting resettlement for Afghan women and vulnerable individuals is long overdue.
-
How to Help Afghanistan Refugees and Those Who Need Aid
With the situation rapidly evolving, organizations are desperate for help.
-
It’s Time to Give Domestic Workers the Protections They Deserve
The National Domestic Workers Bill of Rights, reintroduced today, would establish a new set of standards for the people who work in our homes and take a vital step towards racial and gender equity.
-
The Biden Administration Announced It Will Remove the Hyde Amendment
The pledge was just one of many gender equity commitments made by the administration, including the creation of the first U.S. National Action Plan on Gender-Based Violence.
