Women are speaking out about small acts of sexism with "micro feminisms."

Women have been fighting a constant battle against sexism, and it's not just the big things that matter. It's the small, everyday moments that add up and contribute to the unequal treatment of women. In fact, studies show that women are twice as likely to be asked to make tea or be questioned about their children, compared to men. These may seem like insignificant occurrences, but they are a reflection of the deep-rooted sexism that women face on a daily basis.

This is not a new issue, as half of all women have reported experiencing discrimination because of their gender, especially in the workplace. To combat these daily instances of sexism, women have come up with a clever way to level the playing field – micro feminisms. These are small, subtle acts that can annoy perpetrators of sexism in retaliation. The trend started on TikTok and quickly spread to other platforms, with some videos receiving over 500,000 likes.

Need a quick response to those same old sexist comments? Look no further, as these women have got you covered with their micro feminisms. For example, TikToker @TheFitFem deals with mansplaining by asking men to explain their sexist jokes. Another user, @subsist3nce, responds to mansplaining with a simple question – "Why do you think I wouldn't know this?"

One common micro feminism is flipping the script on compliments that are backhandedly qualified by gender. TikTok user @Sandrachen does this by adding "for a man" when complimenting a man, highlighting the absurdity of using gender as a measurement of success. Micro feminisms also extend to the workplace, where gender-biased language and stereotypes are all too common. A study by Samsung found that 46% of UK employees use male-centric terminology in the office, making a quarter of workers feel dismissed.

But there are ways to fight this bias, such as implementing micro feminisms in the workplace. For example, @restingmom_face asks a man in a meeting to take notes for the group, and also enjoys holding doors for men. TikTok user @KatieWood always assumes CEOs and board members are women, and uses the title "Ms." instead of "Miss" or "Mrs." to avoid making assumptions about marital status. She also asks men to send calendar invites, as women are often tasked with menial or administrative tasks.

Some may argue that these micro feminisms are petty or passive-aggressive, but psychologist Ruth Kudzi sees them as a way for women to take back some psychological power. She explains that small actions can have big results, and can change the perception of women and make men reflect on their assumptions and biases. By incorporating these micro feminisms into our daily lives, they can become embedded in our neural pathways and inspire men to think differently.

TikTok user @ellalowgren has some other micro feminisms for the workplace, such as not interrupting women in meetings but interrupting men who interrupt her. She also refuses to stop talking if a man interrupts her, making him uncomfortable until he stops. Another user, @SBD, shares a brilliant way she interacts with male customers at her job – by reminding them to discuss her offer with their wives before signing anything.

Micro feminisms also extend to parenting, with TikTok user @dorfkindmama asking men at work or on business trips who is taking care of their children while they are away. This prompts men to think about their role in childcare, instead of assuming their wives are the default parent. Similarly, @LauraJH asks men at the supermarket where their children are, and if they respond that their wife is watching them, she congratulates them on getting a break. These small actions may go unnoticed by men, but they make a big impact in the fight against sexism.

Some may view these micro feminisms as petty or passive-aggressive, but psychologist Ruth Kudzi disagrees. She points out that exposure to sexist behavior and attitudes can reduce confidence and self-esteem, making women less likely to speak up. By using these micro feminisms, women can feel more empowered and have a positive influence on attitudes and behaviors. So, are these micro feminisms petty or proactive? It depends on whom you ask, but for many women, they are a necessary tool in the ongoing fight against sexism.

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