The phrase "Free the Nipple" has become both a rallying cry and a symbol of the feminist movement, challenging societal norms and sparking debates about gender equality, censorship, and bodily autonomy. But beyond its catchy slogan lies a critical conversation about the pervasive double standards and systemic inequalities women face.

Feminism, at its core, is about achieving equality across all genders. However, the definition of feminism has evolved to encompass a broader intersectional perspective that considers social class, race, sexuality, and other systemic inequalities. Within this framework, ideologies like socialism and Marxism often intersect with feminist principles, advocating for systemic change to address deep-rooted social inequities. But what exactly are socialism and Marxism, and how do they contribute to intersectional feminism?

Definition of Feminism: Understanding the Basics

At its core, feminism is a movement focused on advocating for the social, political, and economic equality of all genders. The definition of feminism goes beyond just fighting for women’s rights. It includes creating a fair world for everyone, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, race, or any other identity. Feminism believes in dismantling systems that keep people down, empowering everyone to have equal opportunities, choices, and freedom.

The most common feminism definition you’ll hear is that feminism is about equality, not female superiority. Feminists believe in challenging norms, standing up for marginalized groups, and ensuring that everyone—whether cisgender, transgender, non-binary, or anywhere else on the gender spectrum—has the right to live free from oppression and discrimination.

INTERSECTIONALITY MEANS A LOT TO ME. IT'S BECOME THE DRUM I BANG ON IN POLITE AND NOT SO POLITE COMPANY. IT'S A USEFUL WAY TO INTERPRET AND CRITICALLY ANALYZE CULTURE, ART, AND LITERATURE. INTERSECTIONALITY SHAPES OUR IDENTITIES. FUNDAMENTALLY, IT HAS BECOME MY 'DEFAULT' WAY OF LOOKING AT THE WORLD.

By Sabrina Mei-Li Smith

OVER THE LAST FOUR YEARS, WE'VE BEEN BATTERED BY UPSETTING ARTICLES, VIDEOS AND PHOTOS OF WIDESPREAD INJUSTICES. 2020 ONLY HEIGHTENED THE SENSE THAT THE WORLD WAS GOING TO SHIT, WITH MANY OF US BEING TRAPPED INSIDE, HAVING NOT MUCH TO DO BUT DOOM-SCROLL AND FEEL HELPLESS.

By Jax Cassidy

WHAT IS SO INHERENTLY MASCULINE ABOUT STATEHOOD AND NATIONS? MEN ALL OVER THE WORLD SEEM DRAWN TO THIS PARTICULAR SENSE OF BELONGING FOUND IN THESE POPULIST, NATIONALIST, EXCLUSIONARY MOVEMENTS. WHY DOES MASCULINITY SEEM SO CLOSELY TO THESE MOVEMENTS? FROM INDIA, TO BRAZIL, TO MYANMAR TO IRAN...TO MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN, TO THE ALT-LEFT, OR WHATEVER THE FUCK Q-ANON IS, THEY ARE FORMED MOSTLY BY MEN. WHY DO THEY ALWAYS SEEM AGGRIEVED, LEFT OUT, AND ANGRY? WHY ARE THEY ALWAYS UNITED AGAINST THE MINORITIES, WHILE SAYING THEY HATE THE ELITE? AND WHY DOES IT ALWAYS SEEM TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH NATIONALISTIC THEMES?

I REMEMBER THE FLUTTER IN MY HEART WHEN I SAW REPRESENTATIVE ALEXANDRIA OCASIO-CORTEZ FLAWLESSLY RESPOND TO REPRESENTATIVE TED YOHO. HE HAD CRASSLY CALLED HER AN EXPLETIVE ON THE STEPS OF THE CAPITOL, AND TO REBUKE YOHO'S SHELL OF AN EXCUSE IN THE PLACE OF AN APOLOGY, SHE STOOD IN FRONT OF CONGRESS UNWAVERING. IN A POWERFUL RED BLAZER, SHE WENT ON TO GIVE A STATEMENT THAT WAS HEARD AROUND THE WORLD.

By India Braemer

WOMEN AROUND THE MIDDLE EAST AND NORTH AFRICA ARE NOT TREATED EQUALLY TO MEN AND NOBODY TALKS ABOUT IT. WITH ALL THE CHANGES AND IMPROVEMENTS THAT HAVE HAPPENED, STILL, WOMEN ARE NOT EQUAL NOR FREE WHEN IT COMES TO THEIR BODIES.

By Menna Grace

A LEGAL ABORTION IN POLAND IS DAMN NEAR IMPOSSIBLE TO GET. IN PRACTICE IT TAKES WEEKS, SOMETIMES MONTHS, FOR A WOMAN TO BE ABLE TO OBTAIN A LEGAL ABORTION, DUE TO MANY DOCTORS BEING ABLE TO REFUSE TO PERFORM ONE DUE TO BEING "CONSCIENTIOUS OBJECTORS", CAUSING THEIR PATIENT TO HAVE TO SEEK ONE ELSEWHERE.

By Jax Cassidy

WHILE THE REST OF THE WORLD IS GRAPPLING WITH THE CORONAVIRUS AND OTHER GOVERNMENTS ARE MAKING IT A TOP PRIORITY, INDIA IS USING AN UNUSUAL TACTIC TO PROTECT ITS CITIZENS FROM THE PANDEMIC. DISTRACTION.

By Shreya Shukla

LEICESTER'S CULTURAL DIVERSITY MAKES FOR A VIBRANT AND TOLERANT CULTURAL COMMUNITY. HOWEVER, IT BECOMES A WEAPONIZED REASON WHY COVID-19- A DISEASE THAT HAS AFFECTED PEOPLE OF COLOUR MORE DISPROPORTIONATELY- TOOK SUCH A SAVAGE HOLD IN THIS SMALL MIDLANDS TOWN. 

By Sabrina Mei-Li Smith

FEMINIST CONSCIOUSNESS - RAISING HAS NOT SIGNIFICANTLY PUSHED WOMEN IN THE DIRECTION OF REVOLUTIONARY POLITICS. FOR THE MOST PART, IT HAS NOT HELPED WOMEN UNDERSTAND CAPITALISM - HOW IT WORKS AS A SYSTEM THAT EXPLOITS FEMALE LABOR AND ITS INTERCONNECTIONS WITH SEXIST OPPRESSION.

- BELL HOOKS. 

By Negin K

 By Leah Koonthamattam

IRELAND AND THE UK HAVE FINALLY DECIDED THAT PERIODS ARE NO LONGER A LUXURY.

By Mugisha Ntihabose