The Routinization of Protest

As protest is a specific characteristic of social movements, the shift in the feminist movements’ tactical repertoire from contentious actions and mass mobilization to lobby and advocacy in institutional settings was seen as a sign of demobilization. The normalization of feminist protest organized on the 8th of March, for the International Women’s Day or the 25th of November for the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women was driven by their endorsement by multiple official entities, from national governments to international bodies, such as the United Nations that enhanced the legitimacy of these actions and manifestations and celebrations are organized globally. Rather than indicating the demise of the feminist movements, the routinization of feminist protests became a mechanism that enhanced the internal diversity of the movement and contributed to bridging social capital, crucial for creating larger identities and solidarities, essential sources for collective action. Recurrent mobilizations organized for the 8th of March and the 25th of November co-existed with reactive and spontaneous protests when women’s rights were threatened. Feminist activists also joined general mass mobilizations, showing that feminism exists in interaction with other social movements, reflecting multiple perspectives and representation, as well as dynamic boundaries.