Section Article

Feminist Movements and the Rewriting of Gender Norms
Author(s): Rahul Rawat

Abstract
Feminist movements have fundamentally transformed global gender paradigms through sustained activism theoretical interventions and policy reforms. This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of feminisms role in deconstructing patriarchal norms across four historical waves with particular attention to intersectionality legislative achievements and contemporary digital activism. Drawing on case studies from North America Europe and South Asia the study examines how feminist thought has reconfigured workplace dynamics family structures political representation and cultural production. The analysis extends to current debates within feminist theory regarding transgender inclusion sex work decriminalization and global sisterhood while addressing persistent challenges from patriarchal backlash. Methodologically the paper synthesizes data from government reports (UN Women ILO) scholarly texts (Butler hooks Crenshaw) and movement archives to demonstrate feminisms cumulative impact on gender normativity. Findings suggest that while significant progress has been achieved in legal and cultural spheres the movement continues to grapple with internal divisions and external resistance necessitating more nuanced frameworks for 21st-century gender justice.