Feminist Lens Research Articles

Femvertising or Faux Feminism? A Critical Discourse Analysis of Sport Femvertising Campaigns

This study investigates the representation of female athletes in Gatorade's Sister in Sweat (2019) and Adidas’ Reimagine Sport (2020) Femvertising campaigns. Adopting a critical feminist lens, this study examined verbal and visual strategies and the post-feminist elements that sports brands apply to communicate female-empowering messages. Guided by Fairclough's framework of critical discourse analysis and Kress and van Leeuwen's visual grammar, a multimodal critical discourse analysis was conducted to analyze verbal–visual strategies and semiotic resources used to construct/challenge the gender relations in sports. Also, following Gill's post-feminist media culture, recurring themes that characterize female athlete representation are identified. These themes include femininity as a bodily preoccupation, sexualization, individualism and choice, self-surveillance, and intersectionality. Results reveal that, despite the sports brands’ support of gender equality and female empowerment through femvertising, gender stereotypes still exist within the campaigns.

Discourses of Anti-Racism in Afro-Uruguay: A Black Feminist Perspective

Abstract: While a number of studies have examined (anti) racism in Uruguay in general (e.g., Andrews; Bucheli and Porzecanski; Olaza, "Políticas"; Rodríguez), discourse analytic studies of anti-racism in the Uruguayan context have not received the same degree of attention. In order to contribute to this gap, the current study examines resistance discourses of Afro-Uruguayan women. Through a Black Feminist lens, discourses regarding intersectionality, gender and racial inequality within the Uruguayan community, and solidarity among Afro-Uruguayan women are examined. A thematic analysis of Uruguayan media (news and social media) is employed to explore such discourses (e.g., Uruguay's Radio Camacuá, YouTube ), and the data are analyzed for discursive strategies following a Critical Discourse Studies approach. Findings reveal themes including the lack of access to employment and education for Afro-Uruguayan women, candombe as central to the identity of Afro-Uruguayan women and site of resistance, intersectionality, and community building within and beyond Uruguay. The discourse structures observed include expressing solidarity and collectivity through pronominal choice (De Fina, Identity ; Martín-Rojo), self-presentation, the use of statistics, and the use of non-sexist language, among others. This investigation aids in furthering our understanding of the ways in which anti-racist ideologies and praxes are reflected through discourses of women regarding racism in Uruguay.

Study of Jane Eyre’s Rebellion Spirit from the Feminist Perspective

The novel Jane Eyre is a monumental work penned by the esteemed British female author, Charlotte Bronte. The present analysis delves into Jane Eyre’s indomitable spirit of rebellion and the underlying factors that fuel her defiance, adopting a feminist lens. The protagonist, Jane Eyre, owing to her orphaned status, education-induced intellectual awakening, and religious skepticism, and moral autonomy, experiences a burgeoning, stirring, and eruptive feminist consciousness. Thus, throughout her life’s journey, she persistently combats various social injustices, strives for her economic self-sufficiency and marital independence.

Female Image in Netochka Nezvanova: A Study Based on Feminist Perspective

This study delves into Fyodor Dostoevsky's unfinished novel, Netochka Nezvanova through a feminist lens, exploring the nuanced portrayals of female characters and their significance in the narrative. By examining the interactions, relationships, and development of key female figures such as Netochka, Sophia Alexandrovna, and Alexandra Mikhailovna, the paper highlights how these characters challenge and are limited in the patriarchal structures of 19th-century Russian society. The study argues that Dostoevsky, perhaps unconventionally for his time, presents a complex and empathetic exploration of the female experience, showcasing the struggles and resilience of his female protagonists. Through the character of Netochka, the narrative foregrounds the quest for identity and autonomy amidst societal constraints, emphasizing the importance of education, artistic expression, and female solidarity as means of resistance and self-realization. Netochka Nezvanova emerges as a rich text for feminist analysis, offering insights into the complexities of female agency, the critique of gendered societal expectations, and the enduring relevance of Dostoevsky's portrayal of women's pursuit of freedom and dignity.

Mapping social movements momentum: unveiling networks in the movement for the right to abortion in Mexico

In this case study, we propose a network analysis approach to map social movements through an intersectional feminist lens. We aim to gain a more in-depth understanding of movements' network structures to examine the roles and relationships of movement actors, the flow of resources between them, and potential areas of collaboration and conflict. By incorporating Social Network Analysis (SNA) techniques and visually mapping dynamics within social movements, this approach can assess the significance of small actors in creating change and stresses the need for their perspectives to be heard. Furthermore, our methodology adopts a feminist intersectional framework that recognizes the role of different identities in shaping the movement and its actors. To demonstrate the practical application of this approach, we examined the movement for the right to abortion in Mexico between September and December 2021. Our multi-step process included (1) designing a survey tool adapted to the context of the movement, (2) collecting and analyzing survey responses on movement actors' relationships and interactions, including their priorities, activities, needs, risks, and challenges, (3) visualizing the network using SNA techniques that account for the complexity and diversity of the movement, (4) interpreting the findings through insights collected in semi-structured interviews and validation meetings with key movement actors, and (5) implementing safety and security guidelines to safeguard the identity of individuals whose activities could put them at risk of suffering institutional, emotional, and physical violence. Our case study offers valuable insights that not only encourage the integration of feminist and intersectional perspectives into data collection processes but also provide a roadmap for accompanying social movements and supporting meaningful and contextually responsive activities.

Emotional labour while working with families: Potential affordances for supporting early childhood educators’ wellbeing

Partnering with families is an explicit regulatory and role requirement for early childhood educators, yet the emotional labour involved is implicit and relatively unacknowledged. While research has found that complex work demands jeopardise educator wellbeing – resulting in unprecedented turnover and attrition in Australia and internationally – little research has investigated emotional labour and associated educator wellbeing in relation to partnering with families. This article argues that the limited research on educators’ emotional labour with families and its ensuing invisibility may pertain to both its positioning within social constructivist and interpretivist paradigms that render such work as naturally inherent and to conceptualisations of emotional labour theory that entrench this work in maternalistic discourses. The article positions emotional labour theory within a critical feminist lens and as a worthwhile line of inquiry to extend this body of research and disrupt maternalistic discourses that diminish educators’ skilful labour. The potential affordances pertaining to the illumination of this work as skilful for early childhood workforce policy are considered.

Abstract PO2-10-02: 'Sharing Our Own Experience': A Qualitative Study of Black Women Diagnosed with Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Abstract Introduction: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer that is disproportionately prevalent among U.S. Black women. Black women diagnosed with TNBC are less likely to receive the primary treatment options for TNBC, and more likely to die from the disease compared to white patients with the same diagnosis. Given TNBC’s impact on Black women, there is an urgent need to better understand their needs for information and support and any unique barriers to care they may face. Thus, this study explored the perspectives, needs, and lived experiences of Black women diagnosed with TNBC. Methods: Our study was guided by the transformative paradigm and used a multi-method approach. Study-eligible participants self-identified as: a) Black or African American; b) 18 years or older; c) being diagnosed with TNBC within the previous 5-7 years; d) receiving TNBC treatment in the U.S.; and e) English-speaking. From August-October 2022, SHARE Cancer Support (a national nonprofit focused on cancer) and 15 partner organizations used social media and listservs to recruit potential participants from their constituencies to complete a quantitative survey (n=49). From the survey participants, a stratified, purposeful sample of 20 Black women diagnosed with TNBC completed in-depth interviews from November 2022-February 2023. Two Black women researchers conducted virtual interviews with the participants via Zoom. The research team performed thematic analysis on the professionally transcribed data using NVivo 12. A Black Feminist lens was used to analyze codes and interpret emerging themes present across the interviews. The University of South Carolina's Institutional Review Board approved this study. Results: About half of those interviewed were between 35 and 44 years old, had a bachelor's degree or higher, and their annual household income ranged from less than $25,000 to $175,000. Eight major themes emerged from the personal stories of Black women diagnosed with TNBC. From diagnosis to survivorship, Black women discussed the importance of advocacy, including self-advocacy, others advocating on their behalf, and being motivated to become an advocate for others. The participants shared the significance of their identity as Black women and desired that cancer care team members acknowledge their identity and subsequently culturally tailor their care needs. Some participants also noted instances of racism and discrimination that occurred during their TNBC diagnosis or treatment experience. Participants overwhelmingly stressed the vital nature of having “someone who looks like me” to inform them about treatment options and existing resources, as well as to provide emotional support through their shared lived experiences with TNBC. Additionally, participants recognized the importance of embracing the uncertain yet inevitable future. They also emphasized that mental health support is not uniformly provided in care settings but should be an essential component of the TNBC treatment plan. Having support was essential to all the women, but they noted that support can look different for everyone and many existing support resources need to be improved. The themes were adapted into a list of recommended action steps for support organizations, clinical care team members, and TNBC patients to help improve the quality of life for Black women diagnosed with TNBC. Conclusions: The lived experiences of Black women diagnosed with TNBC can serve as a meaningful source of data and provide solutions to addressing persistent health disparities these women face. Findings from this study can inform future research and clinical practice about how to support the holistic needs of Black women diagnosed with TNBC. Recommendations for improving the quality of life for Black women diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. The 8 major themes that emerged in the qualitative study were adapted into a list of actionable recommendations for key interest groups to improve the lives of Black women diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer. Citation Format: Tisha Felder, Lucy Ingram, Megan Austin, Victoria Burke, Stephanie Poland, Megan-Claire Chase, Christine Benjamin. 'Sharing Our Own Experience': A Qualitative Study of Black Women Diagnosed with Triple-Negative Breast Cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO2-10-02.

Reading Between the Lines: Maternity Benefit Law in India and Whom It Truly Benefits

The gendered and performative role of motherhood, an ideal of patriarchy, has been codified into the letter of the law. A feminist lens has been applied to understand how motherhood and patriarchy interact within the maternity benefit law in India, which is primarily regulated by the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, as amended in 2017. An attempt is made to determine whether the extant law truly benefits all women equally without discrimination. It is critically examined, using an intersectional approach, to ascertain whether it ensures the welfare of all women or is yet another systemic attempt to further the patriarchy. The progress of the law is evaluated and corporate maternity benefit policies in India are analysed to assess whether the law requires revisions and of what type to achieve its true objective.

NGO versus Government's solar energy provision in India: A feminist perspective

India is aiming at achieving a major shift in energy production and provision from a fossil fuel-based economy to one focussing on clean energy. As a financially constrained context, the move to the use of renewable energy is happening also through foreign investment and centres mostly on large-scale solar rollouts across the country. Analyses of such initiatives disclose uneven distribution of the benefits and challenges across and within adjacent communities, which particularly affect women and girls due to their gendered roles and responsibilities. This perspective reviews solar energy initiatives focusing on women's engagement run by NGOs and partially funded by the Indian central government, and gendered analyses of large-scale solar energy rollouts, through a feminist lens. A feminist approach to the analysis of large-scale solar rollouts discloses asymmetric power relations and energy inequalities against women and girls, which often reproduce those linked to fossil fuel. In contrast to this scenario, NGOs have a long-standing tradition in India of addressing socio-economic issues where governments failed to do so. Yet, available evidence of the impacts of their engagement in small-scale energy projects in India is quite new. Grassroots solar energy innovations, by being shaped by local communities, have the potential to challenge constraints on a just transitions while promoting greater gender equality and responding to communities’ energy needs.

Journeying into the Self: A Postmodern Feminist Reading of Select Female Travel Narratives

The rejection of attributing fixed essences to anything is known as non-essentialism. It refers to the rejection of assigning men and women fixed qualities in the context of postmodern feminism. This essay uses a postmodern feminist lens to examine and compare Elizabeth Gilbert's Eat, Pray, Love: One Woman's Search for Everything Across Italy, India, and Indonesia with Shivya Nath's The Shooting Star: A Girl, Her Backpack, and the World. As Shivya Nath challenges the stereotypes surrounding independent women travelers and strives to escape being confined to a set of guidelines for how a single woman should travel, Elizabeth Gilbert, in her mid-thirties, is forced to consider whether or not she truly is happy and leading a fulfilling life due to a failed marriage. They both embarked on quests to find solutions. Both travelogues offer an insightful look into the minds of their respective authors, discussing how they defy expectations and deal with patriarchal rules. In the process, Gilbert and Nath both change and come to terms with who they are.

Queering the humanitarian principles of neutrality and impartiality: Implications for humanitarian action, IHL effectiveness and gender justice

Abstract Institutions are often reluctant to openly engage on controversies around the patriarchal underpinnings of the humanitarian sector, or the hard questions around implementing rights-based approaches in spaces where the dominant social norms run counter to an enabling environment for principled humanitarian and development assistance. A reluctance to engage on these issues can lead to unintended suppression of gender justice efforts under the urgency and scale of needs-based humanitarian response. Pre-crisis unequal power relations can be visible or invisible, difficult to measure and even more difficult to address through humanitarian action. Engaging on root causes and drivers of human suffering is often viewed as “political” in contexts of closing civic space and restricted humanitarian access. This article will explore tensions and synergies between the humanitarian principles and the gender justice agenda with a view to helping humanitarian actors contribute to long-term goals of transforming social norms. The article applies a critical feminist lens to the humanitarian principles of neutrality and impartiality, with a focus on the wider development agenda, the nature of the State in a State-centric global order, and the continuum of violence. Drawing on critical feminist theory and decolonization discourses, and building on gender analyses of international humanitarian law, this article looks to queer the humanitarian principles of neutrality and impartiality within the context of the shifting aid system in which they are applied. The objective is help address some of the gaps in literature, identify ways in which aid actors can reduce unintended harm to the gender justice agenda, and help contribute to the more transformative agendas of gender justice.

The young Australian feminine property investor: class, whiteness and heterosexuality

The financialisation of housing is associated with the emergence of new investor subjectivities but, to date, little has been said about how these subject positions are gendered. In contrast, this paper brings a feminist lens to the topic through a textual analysis of the Australian financial self-help book, Smashed Avocado by Nicole Haddow (2019). By illuminating how Haddow’s self-narrated arc (or makeover) from fiscal failure to a successful property owner or ‘Rentvestor’ is inflected by sexuality, whiteness, and class, we highlight previously underexamined dimensions of property investor subjectivity as it is mediated by gender. Furthermore, we argue that gendering of property investment discourses in the feminised genre of self-help, suggests that the growing imperative of fiscal performativity is central to the (re)production of white (settler colonial), middle-class femininity. In concluding the paper, we call for more feminist attention to be given to the uneven geographies of everyday financialisation as they pertain to housing and feminist theorising on the home.

The impact of social media on women's physical appearance and self-esteem: A feminist perspective

This research paper investigates the impact of social media on women's physical appearance and self-esteem from a feminist perspective. Social media platforms have become pervasive in modern society, shaping beauty standards and influencing women's perceptions of themselves. Through a feminist lens, this paper examines how social media perpetuates unrealistic beauty ideals, fosters body dissatisfaction, and contributes to negative self-perception among women. Additionally, it explores the ways in which feminist movements and digital activism on social media challenge these harmful narratives and promote body positivity, self-acceptance, and inclusivity. By analysing the interplay between social media, feminism, and women's physical appearance, this paper aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between technology, gender, and self-esteem.

Data Protection Impact Assessment under the EU General Data Protection Regulation: A feminist reflection

Can the Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) under Article 35 General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) address the power imbalances between those in control of information and the most vulnerable and marginalised persons to whom this information refers? Put another way, can DPIA be considered a feminist tool?Whilst data protection scholars and regulators consider DPIA a promising instrument for the protection of the fundamental rights threatened by personal data processing, particularly when performed by automated systems, a feminist critique thereof, essential to comprehensively evaluate whether such optimism is justified, is still missing. This contribution addresses this knowledge gap using a combination of doctrinal and non-doctrinal analysis, feminist legal methods and intersectionality.Building on the state of the art about DPIA, I revisit its advantages and drawbacks through feminist lenses, concluding that DPIA cannot be considered a feminist tool as such. Yet, it could still serve feminist goals and become an empowering instrument for data subjects. For that, my proposals are to incorporate feminist legal methods and intersectionality principles in the process and to conceptualise a “right to DPIA”.

Building Trust Through Care: A Feminist Take on Inclusion in Multi-Track Mediation

ABSTRACT Inclusion is seen as a ‘golden standard’ in conflict mediation, and multitrack peace processes as a tool to operationalize it. However, when non-official (Track Two and Three) actors do not have faith in the official (Track One) peace process, a critical tension emerges, undermining the underlying logic of multitrackness. This article examines this tension, applying a feminist lens to the peace processes in Georgia and Nagorno-Karabakh. It calls for a re-thinking of the hierarchical logic of a multitrack peace process, predominant in much of the literature and practice, and to (re-)centre practices of care, relationship and movement-building, and social reproduction.

A critical discourse analysis of older women’s representation in housing and homelessness

Purpose Despite a significant evidence base illustrating the issue of housing insecurity and homelessness experienced by women over the age of 55 in Australia [Pawson et al., 2018; Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW), 2021b; Mission Australia 2022; Per Capita 2022], there continues to be a knowledge gap in the representation of older women in current Federal and New South Wales (NSW) State Government housing and homelessness policies and initiatives. This paper aims to identify the extent and ways in which older women were represented (or not represented) in the Federal and NSW State housing and homelessness policies in 2022. Design/methodology/approach Of the total primary and supplementary Federal and NSW State policy and strategy documents, 16 were collected through a systematic review and then analysed using a Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) framework and feminist lens to explore quotes, phrases, keywords and language choices which suggested prevalent themes, rhetorical devices and dominant discourses. Findings Three significant themes were identified by the analysis (1) “relinquished responsibility”, (2) “inconsistent rhetoric” and (3) “homogenising and ideological cherry picking”. These themes presented the authors with three main discussion points to inform policy reform which we have addressed in relation to policy implications, evidence-based policy decision-making and impacts on older women. Originality/value The combination of a systematic review with CDA provides a unique approach to exploring homelessness policy for older women.

Abstract P233: Leveraging Community-Engaged Research Methods to Improve Recruitment and Retention of Midlife Black Women in Cardiovascular Research

Introduction: Midlife Black women (ages 45-64) are more likely to die of a cardiovascular disease (CVD)-related cause compared to White women of the same age and less likely to be optimally controlled for upstream chronic conditions like hypertension or dyslipidemia. Black women are also 58% less likely than White women to identify heart disease as their greatest health risk. Recruitment and retention of Black women in research trials has been historically difficult, contributing to the paucity of interventions designed to address the unique sociocultural factors that contribute to the existing health disparities. The Midlife Black Women’s Stress Reduction and Wellness intervention (B-SWELL) was created to lower stress and increase CVD awareness and adoption of healthy lifestyle behaviors to lower CVD risk in midlife Black women. Hypothesis We hypothesized that a theoretically based intervention co-developed with midlife Black women from the community would yield a culturally appropriate and appealing intervention, resulting in high retention, low attrition, and high satisfaction. Methods: Mixed methods and community-engaged methods were used in the preliminary research that supported the B-SWELL feasibility trial. Each step (i.e., conceptualization, development, intervention design and delivery) was viewed through a Black Feminist lens, giving voice to midlife Black women. The B-SWELL materials and content were co-developed with an existing community research advisory board (C-RAB) and midlife Black women from the community to produce a culturally tailored and targeted product that was rated highly by experts. A randomized feasibility study was conducted. Recruitment was led by the C-RAB and other community partners. Satisfaction was measured using a 9-item tool ranging from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree) and a maximum score of 45. Narrative feedback responses were also obtained. Results: Recruitment (N=52) was completed within 30 days and attrition was low (8%). Four participants withdrew prior to the start of the feasibility trial. The remaining 48 participants completed the trial, and none were lost to follow up. Participant satisfaction ratings were high with a mean of 41. Narrative feedback responses were positive. Participant responses indicated an increase in CVD awareness and motivation to adopt healthier behaviors: “Sisterhood is very important to Black women's health." “Never too late in your life to make changes and better choices.” “I need to be a cheerleader and I need to be checked on as well". Conclusions: Theoretically based interventions that employ community-engaged methods have potential to increase recruitment and retention of midlife Black women in research studies. We recommend integration of community-engaged methods at each level of development and for delivery of interventions targeted to at-risk subpopulations like midlife Black women.

The Personal and the Political: Azar Nafisi’s Memoir as a Feminist Lens into Iranian Society

This paper highlights the points that Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books brings out the social and political life of people in Iran. It is a memoir by Azar Nafisi that explores the intersection of literature, personal freedom, and the oppressive political climate in Iran. Reading Lolita in Tehran is a poignant memoir that takes readers on a journey into the heart of post-revolutionary Iran, where Azar Nafisi, a literature professor, forms a secret reading group with her female students. Against the backdrop of a repressive regime, Nafisi uses the works of Western literary classics, particularly Vladimir Nabokov's Lolita, to examine the complexities of personal and intellectual freedom. Through the lens of literature, Nafisi explores the lives of her students and delves into the power of literature to challenge societal norms. The narrative weaves together the personal struggles of the women in the group with a broader commentary on the impact of political upheaval on individual lives. Nafisi's courageous exploration of the transformative power of literature serves as a testament to the enduring human spirit and the pursuit of intellectual freedom in the face of adversity.

Social Work Education on Transgender and Gender Nonconforming People: Application of an Intersectional Feminist Lens and Suggested Classroom Exercises

ABSTRACT This paper argues for the application of Intersectional Feminist theoretical lens to social work pedagogy and provides sample educational activities, from simple to complex, which apply this lens to bachelors, masters, and doctoral social work levels. All social workers must be prepared to work effectively with transgender and gender nonconforming (TGNC) people. This work relies on social workers’ knowledge, skills, and self-awareness. Social workers who lack knowledge, skills, and self-awareness of the dimensions of gender diversity can create barriers to care for TGNC people. Increasingly, research on social work education and professional social work organizations are encouraging and expanding guidelines for effective practices with TGNC people. Much of this guidance stresses discrete practices rather than situating practice within a broader theoretical framework. Rather than adding to general guidance, we advocate for the application of an Intersectional Feminist lens in teaching social workers dimensions of gender diversity. Applying an Intersectional Feminist lens to social work education creates a context to frame educational activities and facilitates students’ self-discovery of personally and socially held conceptions and biases related to gender. We include activities to help those teaching social work infuse this lens into pedagogy across levels of teaching social work.

Investigating Urban Inequities: Unveiling Women’s Struggle against Discrimination in Literary Narratives through a Feminist Lens

This scholarly investigation critically examines the nuanced challenges confronted by women in contemporary urban landscapes within the contextual framework of India. The study undertakes a comprehensive exploration of the ubiquitous discrimination encountered by women that extends beyond socioeconomic demarcations. The spectrum of challenges encompasses intricacies, such as economic disparages, societal norms, gender-based violence, and the overarching phenomenon denoted as the ‘feminization of poverty’.Within the purview of feminist analysis, this examination accentuates the imperative of recognizing and understanding the intersectionality inherent in the challenges confronting women in urban environments. The study underscores the interwoven nature of diverse forms of discrimination, shedding light on the complex interplay of factors that contribute to the perpetuation of gender-based disparities in urban settings. The socioeconomic underpinnings of discrimination are discerned through an exploration of economic disparities prevalent in urban spaces. This inquiry delves into the systemic barriers that impede women’s access to economic opportunities and financial resources, elucidating how such disparities contribute to the perpetuation of gender-based inequalities. Societal norms, as a focal point of analysis, are interrogated for their role in reinforcing discriminatory practices against women. The study scrutinizes the prevailing cultural and social norms that perpetuate gender roles and expectations, elucidating their impact on shaping the experiences of women in urban contexts. A paramount consideration in this analysis is the examination of gender-based violence as a pervasive manifestation of discrimination within urban settings. The research delves into the various forms of violence inflicted upon women, ranging from physical and psychological abuse to systemic and institutionalized forms of gender-based discrimination. Through this exploration, the study elucidates the deleterious effects of such violence on the overall well-being and agency of women in urban environments. The concept of the feminization of poverty is critically evaluated as a theoretical framework that encapsulates the gendered dimensions of poverty prevalent among women in urban locales. This examination contextualizes the multifaceted ways in which poverty disproportionately affects women, delineating the intricate relationship between economic deprivation and gender-based disparities. This academic endeavor therefore underscores the necessity of adopting a feminist lens to comprehensively analyze and address the challenges faced by women in contemporary urban settings in India. By highlighting the intersectionality of these challenges, the study seeks to contribute to an enhanced understanding of the complex dynamics that underscore women’s experiences in urban environments. Moreover, the research emphasizes the resilience and collective agency demonstrated by women in their concerted efforts to reshape urban spaces towards inclusivity and empowerment.