For the last few years, social media has proven to be a vehicle for more than connecting with your friends (or stalking your ex). It has been used for the good, the bad, and the ugly – from spreading messages on blood donation needs and missing-person cases, to spreading propaganda and political ideologies, and even trolling/abusing anyone and everyone who voices unpopular opinions. For feminism, however, the best of social media happened in the forms of dedicated pages taking an effort to create awareness on gender equality among the masses.
Hoping for a generational transformation in our conventional (read patriarchal) attitudes, a few pages on social media are sending a message to the younger generation on gender equality, and what better way to reach out to them than through memes?
Funny and thought provoking, these witty pages and their tongue-in-cheek messages are growing in popularity every day. Do check out some of the Instagram pages which are kicking patriarchy on its ass by its strong, unapologetic message of feminism.
The Indian feminist
Having got more than 270,000 followers on Instagram, this page – founded by “2 kickass Punjabi girls smashing the patriarchy 1 post at a time” as per its description – takes on everything that is wrong with the attitude towards women in India.
That desi feminist
A platform that focuses on intersectional feminism, this Instagram account has won 103,000 followers with its awe-inspiring posts. With clever illustrations and perceptive take on pop culture, this page provides content that is relevant to our times and speaks for women across the spectrum.
Dalit feminist
Caste is often ignored in Indian feminism, a big mistake considering the fact that gender and caste together make a major hurdle for women from lower castes to build better lives. This Instagram page reports on the latest developments in the Dalit movement at a time when Dalits – oppressed for centuries – are finally coming forward to raise their voice and fight for their rights.
Brown girl trauma
Nobody dares to talk about the mental and emotional trauma that women are inflicted with, even inside their own homes, due to the conservative stance of even their dearest ones. This page focuses on helping heal from, and annihilate, the toxic patterns in South Asia.
Spoilt modern woman
You know this page takes the fight against patriarchy seriously when it describes itself thus: “Confining conditioning to hair follicles and eating patriarchy for dinner. Being a sexist bigot is gonna cost you but the laughs are free.” From critical analysis of contemporary events to throwing light on internalised misogyny even among its audience, this page does a fabulous job representing the modern Indian woman.
