It feels like a woman’s life, both biologically and socially, is built around enduring pain.

Starting with puberty, there’s the monthly cycle of periods—pain and bleeding that can last for ~30years.
Losing virginity often comes with the pain of a hymen tearing.
Even after that, sex isn’t always painless; for many women, there’s discomfort or pain involved.
Then comes childbirth, which brings an unimaginable level of pain.
And as if that’s not enough, breastfeeding can be painful, especially when a teething baby gets involved.

On top of all this, women are often expected to submit to their partner’s desires. They take on acts of intimacy that might not always feel respectful or fair—sometimes feeling like they’re just there to serve someone else’s needs. Afterward, they’re left to clean up the physical mess left behind. It’s a cycle.

It's like when the man wanted he can undress you, use you, finish in you and leave you with his stuff either in you or on you of which you have to take afterwards. You have to worry if his stuff starts to flow back out that Mr. doesn't care about that.

Socially, there’s constant pressure to look a certain way generally created by other women. Then there’s the fear of being catcalled, stared at, or even followed by strangers.
All this while knowing that, in terms of physical strength, you can’t overpower men—and that can be frustrating.

Some might argue that things are better now, and yes, there are ways to report or fight against these experiences. But the truth is, these things still happen. They’ve happened in the past, they’re happening now, and they’ll likely keep happening somewhere in the world. It’s a hard reality to face, and I wish it wasn’t true—but it is.

Hi fellow feminists,

I've been thinking a lot lately about the origins of sexism and how it started from the very beginning of human history. Does anyone have any book recommendations on this topic?

I read The Second Sex years ago, but I honestly can’t remember if Beauvoir traces the roots of sexism all the way back to prehistory or not.

I also recently saw a film in which one character suggested that women are physically weaker because men historically prevented them from being fed as regularly—back in our “cave days”. I’m not sure how accurate that idea is, though.

Sorry if this is a basic question or too obvious for this sub, but I’m really eager to dive deeper into this topic. Any book recommendations would be greatly appreciated! Any thoughts on this too 🙌

Thank you! 🙏

My sister needs help in finding some stuff that could help a classroom of middle school children understand the concept of gender stereotypes, do you have any idea where to find something? Do you have any suggestion? Other than America Ferrera's monologue in Barbie, the recent hashtag #womeninmenfields and so on, of course. Thanks in anticipation for those who'll help :) 💜

Hi ladies,

I’m wondering if there are any female/lesbian separatist, radfem, or other feminist groups that meet in Detroit or the greater Detroit area. Thanks :)

Everyone knows that it does. Everyone knows that women as a group do the brunt of housekeeping and caregiving, which is mostly unpaid work. So if they're supposed to do unpaid work on top of paid work while men are mostly doing paid work, how could women possibly be making as much as men? Women are doing more work for less money. So is it really a surprise that work traditionally done by women tends to pay less? Is it really a surprise that women receive less pay for the same work as men? It shouldn't be, because after all, that's the expectation. Everyone knows that the pay gap exists, the real discussion is about whether they want it to.

I love to talk about trending events and online discourse. Usually when I share my interesting tidbits it's met w curiosity or joining in if they know what I'm talking about. Lately one person in particular always wants to challenge me on what I say. This person is my long term boyfriend. Whether we're w friends or family or even talking to strangers, anything I say he wants to challenge me on. Sometimes after the fact or even in the moment he'll realize he's wrong and stop but why is his knee jerk reaction to do this? It's exhausting. I'm a quiet person so having someone argue with me when I manage to speak up is embarrassing and frustrating. Pushing back and trying to continue talking despite him yelling over me doesn't work. I have a quiet voice and hes simply louder no matter how loud I get. Today as I was trying to tell someone abt an actress he kept yelling I was wrong abt what movies they were in. I kept trying to speak over him and continue what I was saying but he was INCESSANT until he realized he was wrong and stopped. Id already fought back on three fucking topics and at this point he really pissed me off. Just let me speak!!!! Id even told him the night before how sad I was that I try so hard to join the conversation when we're w his friends and I'm always spoken over and interrupted no matter how hard I try. I'm genuinely heartbroken that hes treating me the same if not worse. Idk if id rather have someone refuse to let me speak or argue w everything I say. Being angry abt it feels pointless bc he'll never see what I'm saying. Men as a whole will always act this way and arguing or getting upset emboldens them. I've grown such a disdain for men tbh. I try but theyre so deeply wired to be this way and this is the tamest of struggles w them. It feels so lonely to broil in this way.

Hey Ladies,

Thought of a new hobby after having an outrageous experiences with men. Had a breakup a week ago and I need to become okay again. I've had enough of being so weak for them. I wanted to retaliate. Can you guys suggest any feminism books that I can pick some life lessons that I can use for moving forward and becoming a better woman.

I'm a single mom too so any books related to single parenting is much appreciated.

Thanks x

I want to be part of a movement that takes action in the uk against the rising misogyny and violence against women. I’ve also seen anti abortion protesters recently and would like to be involved in ensuring we keep the rights we have in our country. Anyone have any good suggestions? Sorry if it’s a dumb question I’m just new to it all!

From Shadow of the Giant by Orson Scott Card. Ironic considering the source.

From Song of the Lark, by Willa Cather

We’re all struggling with effective responses to the horrifying reelection of Trump in the States. There’s a lot of talk of bringing our individual focus back to community support and I want to give you a very easy first step- resuming wear a mask against COVID, flu, and other respiratory illnesses.

We need to be serious about the risks of these illnesses to those with sensitive medical conditions, and even the risks to currently able bodied individuals. Repeated Covid infections bring increasing risk of immune system dysfunction, vascular issues leading to higher risk of stroke and heart attack, ME/CFS, POTS, and other factors of long covid. Institutional racism and its component medical racism are not going to be tackled by the next administration, so our siblings of color will face disproportionately worse medical outcomes. We are also on the precipice of a potential H5N1 influenza outbreak among humans which could be devastating on the scale of the 1918 influenza pandemic.

Masks, particularly higher grade masks like KN95, N95, and aura masks, can be effective at protecting yourself from exposure. They are most effective as source control when worn by a (knowingly or unknowingly) infected person. One way masking will not be as protective of vulnerable individuals as universal masking. Wearing a mask again when you are in public is a good way to take care of yourself, but it’s an even better way to take care of those around you. It makes public spaces more accessible to those of us with disabilities, especially those who lack the privilege to work from home or isolate themselves.

Thank you for considering this simple action.

The terms 'Masculine' and 'Feminine' is perceived in different ways by both men and women in our lives. I'm genuinely curious about how different it is. Do share you thoughts and opinions.

See how the boys like it when Uncle Sam says SNip, SNip.

I work in an inpatient psych unit. After some training, we received pride pins to show allyship. One day, a new patient told me that they were desperately regretting coming in until they saw my pin. It made them feel safe, so they decided to stay. They were able to get the help that they needed.

I hadn't realized how powerful that symbol could be. It shows I am a safe person. It shows that if sometime needs help they will get it from me.

I was thinking about this today. I don't feel safe right now. I have some trauma history related to SA and last night I had a nightmare that I haven't had in at least 5 years. The idea of walking into a room and seeing other women and our allies wearing a pin or something like that would make me feel safe, less alone. It would make me feel hopeful. It would inspire me to take action.

I'm wondering if there already is such a symbol or if we could make one that people who support our rights could wear. It would be like a continuous protest and a way to show unity in a way that could lead to change - even if that change is us learning how to perform abortions, or other women- related care (including gender affirming care.)

What do you think of that idea?

EDIT: I think I'm guilty of wanting to make a symbol for the movement that I wished existed. I'm going to look into more tangible things.

I am at an all-time low feeling like hope for humanity is a bit lost since yesterday's election results. How could so many turn their back on women?
At any rate, I am putting together a rage play list and would like song suggestions. I will be wallowing for a few days before I force myself to regroup and fight this shit. I prefer alternative music, and obviously female singers please. 🫠😞