The three waves of feminism each address different issues and reflect the evolving nature of women’s rights movements.

**First Wave (late 19th – early 20th century):** Focused on legal issues, primarily women’s suffrage. Pioneering figures include Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton in the U.S., who were instrumental in the fight for women’s right to vote. Mary Wollstonecraft’s “A Vindication of the Rights of Woman” (1792) is a foundational text advocating for women’s education and equality.

**Second Wave (1960s – 1980s):** Expanded the fight to a broader range of issues, including workplace discrimination, reproductive rights, and sexual freedom. Key figures include Betty Friedan, whose book “The Feminine Mystique” (1963) challenged the traditional roles of women, and Gloria Steinem, a leading voice in the feminist movement and co-founder of “Ms.” magazine. The slogan “The personal is political” encapsulates this wave’s emphasis on personal experiences as reflections of larger social issues.

**Third Wave (1990s – present):** Emphasizes diversity and intersectionality, acknowledging the varied experiences of women based on race, class, sexuality, and other factors. Prominent figures include bell hooks, whose work “Ain’t I a Woman?” addresses race and gender, and Rebecca Walker, credited with coining the term “third wave.” This wave challenges traditional gender roles and promotes inclusivity, focusing on individual empowerment and activism.

These waves collectively reflect the dynamic and multifaceted nature of the feminist movement, evolving to address the changing needs and issues faced by women over time.