Small, everyday acts of resistance—often called micro-feminism—are gaining attention as a way to empower women and promote gender equality in the workplace. This trend first gained traction on TikTok last year when Ashley Chaney shared a simple practice: always addressing women first in team emails. Since then, countless examples have surfaced, ranging from practical steps to tongue-in-cheek moves like asking men to take notes during meetings or holding doors open for male colleagues and insisting they enter first.
What is Micro-Feminism?
According to Alice Rose, a gender and psychology researcher at the University of South Australia’s Centre for Workplace Excellence, micro-feminism may not be “highbrow,” but it’s a meaningful small pushback against systemic inequalities. It aligns with the broader feminist goal of equality for all and gives people a way to feel connected to that movement by making incremental improvements in their everyday interactions.
Examples of Micro-Feminism at Work
Micro-feminism can take many forms. Here are some examples experts highlight:
When a male colleague takes credit for a female colleague’s idea, a manager might say, “That’s a great idea, James. I also liked it when Sarah mentioned it three weeks ago.”
Actively asking women for input during meetings to ensure they are heard.
Delegating traditionally “volunteer” tasks—like organizing farewell gifts—to male employees instead of assuming they fall to women.
If a woman is interrupted, gently bringing her back into the conversation.
Using gender-neutral pronouns like “she” or “they” instead of defaulting to “he” when the person in power is unknown.
Removing apologetic language such as “just” and unnecessary exclamation points from emails.
Challenging sexist or offensive jokes with questions like, “I don’t get it, can you explain, please?” or “I’m surprised you feel comfortable saying that out loud.”
Why Micro-Feminism Matters
Dr. Rose explains that these small acts meet the three basic psychological needs outlined in Self-Determination Theory: autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Through micro-feminism, people exercise autonomy by choosing to act, build competence by gaining confidence to be assertive, and foster relatedness by supporting colleagues and creating connection.
Professor Sara Charlesworth from RMIT says micro-feminism also raises awareness of inequality, especially for those who may not recognize it otherwise. For example, she recalls a colleague who would email organizers of all-male panels with a simple, “Have you thought about the optics?”—a gentle nudge that encouraged change without confrontation.
Importantly, these acts help those who feel alienated by everyday sexism to know they are not alone, which can be empowering and comforting.
Intersectionality and Inclusion
Ms. Rose urges people to consider micro-feminism through an intersectional lens, acknowledging that gender is just one of many aspects of identity that affect privilege and marginalization. Being mindful of race, disability, faith, and other factors ensures that these acts do not unintentionally exclude or harm others.
Men are also encouraged to participate in micro-feminism, helping to foster allyship and shared responsibility.
Limitations of Micro-Feminism
While micro-feminism is low-risk and often effective, Dr. Rose cautions that these small acts cannot replace systemic change. “There needs to be change at the organizational level, and those changes must be done collectively so individuals aren’t put at risk,” she says. Without commitment from leadership, meaningful progress will remain difficult.
Professor Charlesworth agrees that micro-feminism should be a starting point, with the ultimate goal being structural and cultural shifts in workplaces that support gender equality.
In summary, micro-feminism offers a way to chip away at workplace inequality through everyday actions that support, empower, and acknowledge women and marginalized groups. While small, these acts can build confidence and foster inclusion—making the workplace a little fairer, one interaction at a time.
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