Is Feminism Still Relevant? Especially Feminism in Patriarchal Society

Amidst the increasing openness of public spaces for women, the question arises: is feminism still necessary? After all, women can now go to school, work, and even lead a country. But what if this question is posed in a society that still upholds patriarchy norms? Although the feminist movement has brought about significant changes in the history of Western civilization and expanded women's participation globally, the social reality in many parts of the world including countries with patriarchal cultures still reveals glaring inequalities. Women often face gender-based discrimination in domestic spaces, education, and politics. In some societies, traditional norms still place women as second-class citizens, with limited access to rights, representation, and bodily autonomy. In this context, a debate arises: is feminism still relevant in the modern era, which is said to be equal? Isn't the demand for feminism now too “radical?” Or is it no longer in line with local culture? This question is important to answer, especially in societies shaped by deep-rooted patriarchal structures, where masculinity is considered superior, and women's voices are still silenced in many layers of social life. Although often seen as outdated or too Western, feminism remains relevant as an important social movement in advocating for gender equality, especially in societies with deeply rooted patriarchal structures. Without critical and systematic efforts, gender-based injustice will continue to be perpetuated in the name of tradition and culture. 

Despite significant progress in gender equality worldwide, patriarchal structures remain deeply entrenched in many societies. Patriarchy is evident in male dominance in positions of power, rigid gender role divisions, and low female representation in decision-making spaces. In Indonesia, for example, women occupy only around 20% of parliamentary seats (General Election Commission, 2024). At the local level, cultural practices such as prohibiting women from speaking in traditional forums still occur. These facts show that gender inequality is not merely a problem of the past, but a structural reality that continues to persist. Without a critical approach such as feminism, this inequality tends to be considered “normal” or even perpetuated in the name of tradition.

Feminism remains relevant because it provides a framework for critically thinking about systems that oppress women. Feminism not only demands legal equality but also challenges social and cultural assumptions that limit women, such as the stereotype that women are emotional, weak, or primarily responsible for household duties. Movements like #MeToo in the West and #NyalaUntukYuyun in Indonesia show how feminism has become a tool for voicing women's experiences that were previously silenced.

Despite it's many benefits, feminism is not without criticism, particularly regarding its dominance and Western perspective. Some argue that feminism is not suitable for non-Western societies because it is seen as conflicting with local values. For example, liberal feminism, which emphasizes individual autonomy, is often criticized for ignoring the communal context in Asian cultures. Feminism is also often seen as too elitist, representing only the voices of educated middle-class women. However, such criticism has driven the emergence of more contextual and inclusive feminist movements, such as Islamic feminism, rural feminism, or ecofeminism. This demonstrates that feminism is a flexible movement that can adapt to cultural diversity without losing its core essence of striving for gender equality and justice.

Feminism remains relevant in the modern era, especially in societies with strong patriarchal structures, as it provides a critical framework and tools for resistance against ongoing gender inequality. Although the movement has undergone transformations and faced criticism, its essence as a struggle for gender equality and justice remains highly necessary. The role of feminism does not stop at legal or political struggles, but also extends to dismantling discriminatory social norms. Feminism must continue to adapt to complex social realities, including responding to criticism of Eurocentrism by developing more inclusive and localized approaches. Feminism rooted in the experiences of local women, such as Islamic feminism, rural feminism, and ecofeminism, will be key to grounding this movement without losing its spirit of struggle. If managed inclusively and reflectively, feminism will remain a relevant social force in challenging structures of gender inequality in the future.