Before Feminism Had a Name
- The Mary Word
- 3 days ago
- 6 min read
By Hannah Hippmann
The rise of modern feminism is often framed through the lens of four ‘waves’, beginning in the 19th century in the West. But, is this truly the origin of female empowerment? Doesn’t this narrow, cultivated, palatable narrative erase eras of astounding cases and periods where women held and advocated for power? North, East, South and West, each corner of the Earth has featured a diverse range of heroines, whose names will persist over eons of malicious decay. History’s indomitable nature supports this, assuring that the world has never lacked fierce opposition to disparity.
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I acknowledge that history isn’t everybody’s thing, but it’s genuinely my one joy in life… and I think that reading this overly formal, boring article will broaden your view about feminism, before it had a name.
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The Ancient World
Ancient Egyptian society (c.3100 BCE - 30 BCE)
While Ancient Egypt was not an egalitarian society by modern standards, women experienced a previously unseen degree of autonomy and legal rights. Women had financial freedom, with the right to purchase and own property. They were unrestrained in controlling their marital status, being able to divorce their husbands and own a third of the marriage property whilst keeping what was previously her property. They would represent themselves in court and own businesses, many working in food processing, agriculture, garment making, performative arts and religious roles. In her will, a woman could decide who would be the heir to her property and wealth, which would not always pass to her children, as shown in Naunakhte’s will, dated to the 12th and 11th century BCE.
Differing slightly from the divine right of kings, the Pharaoh and their partner would be viewed as gods and goddesses. This ensued in supreme respect and worship towards females in power, which must have indirectly influenced how society viewed women, parallel to Queen Elizabeth I. Queen Pharaohs would reign constantly, whether that be ruling as queen regent before their son came of age, self-declaration or due to a succession crisis. However, the allowance of female rulers did not erase the shadow of masculinity cast over the throne, where power was still sculpted in the image of men. The Ancient Egyptians did not strive towards feminism as a political or philosophical movement per se, but their remarkable integration of inclusive gender dynamics in the ancient world strengthens their legacy as an innovative civilisation.
Early Islamic Period
Aisha bint Abi Bakr (c.614-c.July 678)
Aisha bint Abu Bakr was the Prophet Muhammad’s third wife, who remained a significant figure who spurred the Islamic faith long after his death and seen as the “bridge between the time of the prophet and the future of Islam” ( Dr. Resit Haylamaz, n.d.). She lived in 7th-century Arabia, where Islam began to be more widespread and rooted. Along with being a devout wife, the most beloved by Muhammad, she was highly praised for her intellect and capacity to memorise in the disciplines of poetry, medicine, hadith (prophetic traditions), fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence) and Qur’anic interpretation. Much like the other examples in this article, Aisha didn’t conform to contemporary feminist standards but did not conform to gender norms in Islamic life either, using her influence to defend women’s roles.
She narrated 2210 hadiths due to her connection and devotion to Muhammad’s life, teachings and actions. Moreover, she deviated from topics about Muhammad to communicate matters on inheritance, pilgrimage and eschatology. Her mastery of these complex disciplines and aptitude to articulate her thoughts shatter the stereotype during the age of Jahiliyya (ignorance), where women were inferior. Aisha’s open defiance to participate in high-level religious encounters and political engagement was exemplified by her central place when leading an army in the Battle of the Camel (656 CE).
Aisha’s assertive voice discussed the role of women as scholars and leaders and debated misogynistic ideas to further social development, much like women of today. She interpreted and spread Islamic teachings in methods that elevate women’s status, especially in the fields of marriage, consent and modesty. She was an advocate primarily for female dignity and justice. Aisha saw herself as a role model for women, exemplifying how the amalgamation of knowledge and faith empowers individuals to mould the gender dynamics of their societies.
Late Tang dynasty
Wu Zetian (624- December 16, 705)
Wu Zetian, China’s sole female empress, reigned as empress regnant from the 16th of October 690 to the 21st of February 705 of the Zhou dynasty (which was short-lived and later assimilated into the late Tang dynasty). Despite her reputation as a mysterious, unprecedented, ruthless ruler, she remains at the forefront of the East Asian feminist icons. Though her reforms did not induce feminist movements and she was not outspoken about her femininity, her defiance against the systemic patriarchy demonstrated a unique approach to governance.
Long before her title as empress, she held great political power through her familial ties, marrying the Emperor Gaozong through manipulative tactics and becoming empress consort. Later, she became empress dowager, taking over the court, executing and imprisoning anyone who defied her rule. She puppeted her sons, emperors Zhongzong and Ruizong, ultimately becoming empress regnant in 690.
Her reign saw the development of China’s territory, extending to the Korean peninsula, Central Asia and Tibet. With this, China’s culture and economy reflected her influence, flourishing in the state, as well as the vitalisation of Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. Further, through her brutality, she ironically reduced the corruption in the court.
It is one thing to list her achievements, and yet another to analyse her as a symbolic figure for feminine agency. Wu represents a powerful woman, not a grossly overpowered superhero, common in the likes of She-Hulk and Captain Marvel. She is nuanced. She seeks power. She is ambitious. She represents how multifaceted women are. She was a radical disruption of Confucian gender roles, which emphasised female obedience, modesty, and domesticity. Her power was utilised to promote women, allowing them to have positions in the high court and encouraging their education. Regardless, she is still labelled as manipulative, cunning, cruel and power-hungry, which may be true, but does not define Wu, and is an exemplar of how gender biases shape historical narratives and vilify women in power. Wu Zetian’s legacy endures not only in the annals of imperial history but also as a legacy centred around female agency and how women navigate an oppressive world.
Late Middle Ages
Christine de Pizan (September 1364 - c. 1430)
Christine de Pizan was an Italian woman, brought up in a France festering with political and social turmoil. This included the Hundred Years’ War and the Western Schism (not to be confused with the great East-West Schism…), which was at its height. Her already unique upbringing facilitated her critical analysis of a multitude of themes but more specifically, how misogyny is interwoven everywhere in late medieval France.
Christine is often credited with being the first feminist and the first professional female writer in France. The aftermath of the Black Death was a transformative time where people began to question traditional authority, and female roles in male-dominated areas were becoming more available. By 25, she found herself in a broken world, widowed, in debt, and having to raise three children. She began by being a scribe, then decided to produce her own stories. Soon, she was able to provide for her family through writing.
Being the sole female voice in the literary world, she provides an undeniable layered portrayal of women, writing their familial, social, political and economic climates perfectly. This differs from the conventional literature, which saw women as pure, innocent, and falling for courtly love. Christine subverts this by sculpting real characters - ones that were essential to their community, and illustrated the unseen power women hold. Christine’s famous critiques of The Romance of the Rose, which objectified and sexualised women, are grounded upon utilising her autonomy to advocate against demeaning portrayals of women. This more closely resembles modern feminism’s unapologetic advocacy. Thus, Christine de Pizan not only challenged the blatant misogyny of medieval France but also laid the groundwork for the modern feminist movement to sprout.
Conclusion
Across millennia and all areas of Earth, the thirst for female agency has persisted, and along with it, indomitable, intricate women who contradict the strict societal constructs of their environment. Whether through legal reform, political leadership, intellectual authority or literary defiance, women have showcased a variety of methods that combat misogyny. So no, Google, feminism didn’t start in the 19th century; it dawned with humanity, as it is irrefutable human nature to oppose limitations and to question right and wrong.
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Well Done Hannah! Great read, ur history knowledge is actual insane.. 🫶👍
most talented person ever ily hannah
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Greatest article ever i cant believe u did the cover art and this