White feminism refers to a form of feminism that primarily focuses on the experiences and concerns of white, middle-class women, often neglecting the experiences and struggles of women of color and other marginalized groups. This perspective is criticized for failing to address the existence of intersecting forms of oppression faced by women belonging to ethnic minority groups, Indigenous communities, and those who lack certain privileges.
White feminism has been described as an ideology and approach that prioritizes individual accumulation, capital, and individuality in the pursuit of gender equality. It is seen as a limited and exclusionary form of feminism that does not adequately take into account the experiences and needs of women at the intersections of race, class, sexuality, disability, and other social categories.
About White Feminism
Ilsa Govan has extensive experience as a facilitator, consultant, writer, and social justice activist. As Co-Founder of Cultures Connecting (CulturesConnecting.com), she has led conversations about racial equity at workshops and conferences across the country. She also volunteers to co-coordinate the White Caucus at the annual national White Privilege Conference. Prior to Cultures Connecting, Ilsa worked as an Equity and Race Specialist for Seattle Public Schools where she was tasked with addressing institutional racism in a large organization. Ilsa is deeply invested in examining how her own identity influences her interactions with others, particularly through the lens of privilege and oppression.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ilsagovan/
https://www.culturesconnecting.com/whatsupwithwhitewomen
Ilsa Govan (she/her)
Panelist
Kim "Kimfer" Flanery-Rye is passionate about diversity, equity, inclusion, and women in business. She is the Founder of Inclusion Equals, a social enterprise focused on the IDEA: Inclusion = Diversity + Equity + Accessibility to build culture from the inside out, as well as the CEO of The FBomb Breakfast Club, a peer support community for women, femmes, and gentlethems who are company founders and business owners. She is also an Adjunct Professor teaching Creativity and Innovation for MBA students and has her MBA in Executive Leadership. She speaks locally, nationally, and globally and has most recently spoken at the 2022, 2023, and 2024 World Economic Forum regarding the importance of women on boards and what it means for women to have power, authority, and agency as well as DEI’s role in AI and the future of work.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimflaneryrye/
https://www.fbombbreakfastclub.com/
Inclusion Equals: https://www.inclusionequals.com/
Kim Flanery-Rye (she/her)
Panelist
Tilman Smith has been an educator for over thirty-five years, serving as a classroom teacher, administrator, field supervisor, college instructor, caucus facilitator, trainer, and coach. She has facilitated workshops throughout the country on the topics of anti-bias curriculum, white privilege, internalized sexism, and internalized white superiority. Most recently, Tilman has been consulting with government, non-profit and community agencies as a race-based caucus organizer, facilitator,
Linkedand executive coach.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tilman-smith-81a17a154/
Tilman Smith (she/her)
Panelist
Taj Moses (He/Him) is a 35 year old Black, queer, trans, disabled, autistic man. He has a partner and several chosen family members, and is a father to a 14 year old son. Originally from Atlanta, he has lived at least briefly in most of the major US regions. He is a professional artist currently living in Lawrence, Kansas. He has been a professional artist for over 15 years, and he enjoys drawing original characters, humanoid figures, and whimsical and galaxy-themed subjects. He loves using vibrant colors, pastels, stars, and cute stuff! His art often features fantasy and galactic themes and represents feelings, emotions, and people’s need for escapism. His primary medium is digital art, and he offers commissioned work with a focus on portraits. His activism work includes time with Fight for 15, Rise Up KC, NoSB180, EQUAL KC, and B.L.A.C.K Lawrence, as well as Sunrise Project and various food insecurity reduction groups.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taj-moses-4736412aa/
https://satellitestardropartwork.gay/#
https://www.instagram.com/satellite_stardrop/
Taj Moses (he/him)
Panelist
Panelists.
Meet the panelists
What's Up With White Women?
As a white woman, ask yourself: are you upholding or fighting racism?
What’s Up with White Women? is a practical guide for white women who are interested in becoming more effective in their cross-cultural, anti-racist practices.
Blending real-life stories, theory, and anti-racism practices from decades of on-the-ground work, the authors invite white women to understand their gendered role in systemic racism and their unique opportunity for action. Both frank and compassionate, coverage includes:
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Stories of white women’s experiences with sexism, racism, and white privilege
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How white women harm BIPOC and ourselves by colluding with systems of oppression
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Why and how white women often hijack race conversations
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A powerful six-stage identity development model for self-reflection and growth
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Guiding questions and practical actions for strengthening anti-racism practices
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Tools to cultivate genuine partnerships with BIPOC individuals and groups.
White women are positioned in a power hierarchy between white men and BIPOC. It is time for white women to step up and undertake deep reflection on their role in systemic racism and take concrete actions that support equity and justice for all people.
https://www.chirpbooks.com/audiobooks/what-s-up-with-white-women-by-ilsa-govan-and-tilman-smith
https://www.everand.com/audiobook/576473994/What-s-Up-with-White-Women-Unpacking-Sexism-and-White-Privilege-in-Pursuit-of-Racial-Justice
Critiques of white feminism argue that it perpetuates the dominance of white women within feminist spaces and movements, ignoring the historical and ongoing struggles of women of color. It fails to recognize the importance of intersectionality, which acknowledges that gender inequality is intertwined with other forms of oppression, and advocates for an inclusive approach that centers the experiences and perspectives of all women.
Overall, the established definition of white feminism characterizes it as a form of feminism that primarily centers the concerns and experiences of white, middle-class women and fails to address the distinct forms of oppression faced by women from marginalized communities.
Sources:
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Mashable: "What is white feminism and how does it harm women of colour?"
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NBC News: "Koa Beck on dismantling the persistence of white feminism"
Many conversations have centered around the need for intersectionality and inclusion in feminist movements as essential for achieving gender equality. Critics of white feminism argue that it reinforces the systemic oppression of marginalized groups by ignoring their experiences and struggles. As a result, many advocate for a more inclusive approach that recognizes the diverse experiences of women and works towards creating an equitable society where all women can thrive.
Sources:
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