The Weight of Small Steps ( Part 2: The "Whys" of Microfeminism)

Microfeminist actions often emerge as responses to daily frictions—small slights, subtle exclusions, and invisible burdens that compound over time. Take the workplace, for instance. A recent study shows that 40% of women reported experiencing microaggressions, harassment, or both at work in the past year [1]. Paired with the unequal load of domestic responsibilities, these experiences create a constant undercurrent of inequality. For many, microfeminist acts are a way to push back against these imbalances, to claim space, and to foster dignity in places that rarely offer it freely [2]. 

We tried to understand why our respondents chose these acts of microfeminism, hence we asked the question " What motivates you to do these acts?"

Made in Canva

We came to realise that for many, microfeminist acts arise from a deep frustration with how society continues to downplay women's authority, intelligence, and autonomy. “It’s normalized for men to give their opinions on everything”, Sradha explains, “because they assume they’re better. The savior complex comes out the moment we seem even a little confused”. This skewed perception often makes it difficult for women to be seen as capable leaders or experts. Sritha echoes this, saying her actions are aimed at “changing the way we see women in authority.” For others, it’s about claiming freedom without apology. “I will do whatever I want or can, without being bothered by others’ judgments,” says Ashwathy. Khanh Phuong Tran adds, “I don’t usually consider my gender a challenge—I just believe I can do whatever I desire”. At the heart of these responses is a shared belief, as Marjan puts it: “Gender doesn’t determine one’s value or capability”.

For others, microfeminist acts are fueled by a deep sense of frustration with the existing world order—an order that continues to favour men and marginalize others, often without question. “Primarily, anger motivates me” says Malavika, who also emphasizes the importance of creating community so that no one feels alone in their struggles. This anger stems from everyday injustices—“the unfair distribution of opportunities despite extra hard work”, as Merin Joseph puts it, or simply the realization, as Sangeeth John notes, that “we live in an unequal, male-dominant society”. Niloyendu Roy shares his “irritation from the fact that most people are not feminists”, while Meena voices disappointment at how “males take everything for granted because that’s how it has always been”.

For many, microfeminist choices are not only about resistance—they are acts of self-definition and growth. These actions often begin in the intimate spaces of one’s own life, shaping identity, relationships, and well-being. Like Anurag who points out “the women in my life” as his motivation. Susruthan frames it as a commitment to authenticity: “being authentic and not just following social constructs of identity”. 

For Merin Komban, the act of naming her pain—of saying she's unwell during menstrual cramps—is a quiet revolution: “It is important to normalize that as a woman I will not function consistently throughout the month. I want a workplace where this is normalized. Where I can sit during my PMS, with a hot water bag set up in the office. It is difficult because I also feel shame”.

But these small challenges to the norm often bring unexpected self-healing. As one male respondent shared: “At the same time, I’ve noticed how these acts have helped me too. They’ve made me more empathetic, more grounded, and more connected in my relationships. I’m also freeing myself from the rigid expectations that patriarchy places on men”.

For others, it’s about perseverance and presence. Parvathy reflects on choosing to ride through our sexist roads: “I want to build trust in my riding, and that can only happen with persistent efforts”. She also spoke about rejecting stereotypes through her style “I would like to change the delusion that genders have colours”.

Sometimes, it's about reclaiming kindness. “I am my harshest critic. I am done with that. I want to be kind to myself. If the world is not fair to me, at least I want to be fair to myself” says Nimmi. And for Athira, it’s about creating space for daily care: “As women living away from family and friends, everyday support is needed. Having someone to talk to at the end of the day is important”.  Microfeminism for these people is not only resistance—it’s restoration. It’s about choosing oneself, and choosing community, again and again.

For some, microfeminist acts arise from a deep sense of responsibility—both personal and political—to challenge inequality and contribute to a more just world. These individuals see change not as optional, but essential. “Ideological position” says Balasankar, grounding his actions in belief. Others, like Swetha, draw strength from their upbringing: “I grew up in a household full of women where our potential was never limited. I think it’s only fair that I continue to advocate for other women’s rights to experience the same”.

This commitment is both personal and collective. “All women are my team” notes one respondent, while reflecting, “without intentional actions, I will be part of the problem”. For some, the effort begins with the smallest gestures: “Correcting a wrong at the smallest level is what I can do as an individual” says Kannan. Devan speaks of political awareness nurtured by constant motivation from his partner. Amritendu, reflecting on his position as a man, adds: “Rather than silently enjoy certain privileges, I choose to use them to challenge the norms that harm others. It’s also personal—I care about the women in my life and want them to live and grow without having to fight every inch of the way”.

For others like Kadambari, the motivation stems from lived experience and reflection: “My experiential learning as a woman and the things I’ve read make me want to take these small diversions—for myself, and hopefully for others”. And sometimes, the motivation is as simple and powerful as a vision: “A better future” says Karthika.

Microfeminism is more than quiet rebellion—it is a call to presence, a refusal to disappear. Whether through reshaping daily routines, confronting internalized shame, or nurturing new forms of connection, these acts become blueprints for a more just and humane world. They invite us to reimagine culture as something not inherited but created—actively, collectively, and with care. As Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie writes, “Culture does not make people. People make culture. If it is true that the full humanity of women is not our culture, then we can and must make it our culture” [3].

These everyday acts become a means to disrupt the norm, to challenge relationships built on entitlement rather than respect. “I deserve space to grow,” says one respondent, “and I don’t have to compromise on it.” In the end, as Christry states, the motivation is simple but radical: “I want to take my power back.”

Written by Janaky S. and edited by Parvathy Ramchandran @ThinkHer

References:

1. https://www.deloitte.com/content/dam/assets-shared/docs/collections/2024/deloitte-women-at-work-2024-a-global-outlook.pdf?dl=1

2.https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-05-19/micro-feminism-in-the-workplace-explained/105210082

3.Adichie, C. N. (2014). We Should All Be Feminists. United States: Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group.