Even when women's rights are up for grabs like we have seen with the recent Presidential election the 92% percent of black women who voted against the holding President are still being called on to help the Feminist movement regain bodily autonomy even though Black women in the U.S. are 3-4 times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than White women. Yet, mainstream feminist groups prioritize abortion access without equally amplifying issues like medical racism, poor healthcare access, and forced sterilization, which have historically harmed Black women.

The constant and historical ignoring of the intersection of race, class, and cultural differences in feminism has made the need for Black women to start putting themselves first more and more prevalent. Black women are often encouraged to be strong, independent, and resilient, but where is the space for softness, rest, and divine energy? Feminism has not fully addressed this imbalance. The soft life movement, divine femininity, and womanism were all created by Black women as alternatives to feminism that honor spirituality, culture, and femininity. Divine Femininity allows Black women to reclaim softness without compromising strength, embodying more of the matriarchy instead of the patriarchy.

Lesson Summary

Despite the recent political climate, where women's rights have been in the spotlight due to the presidential election, black women remain an essential component in the fight for feminist causes. Issues surrounding bodily autonomy have drawn attention, with 92% of black women voting in opposition to the former President. However, despite being disproportionately affected by health disparities, such as higher mortality rates in pregnancy-related complications compared to White women, mainstream feminist movements predominantly focus on abortion access, overlooking broader issues like medical racism, poor healthcare access, and forced sterilization.

This neglect of the intersectionality of race, class, and cultural differences in feminism has prompted Black women to prioritize their needs. Often characterized as strong and independent, Black women seek spaces that also embrace softness, rest, and divine energy. The current feminist movement has failed to address this balance, leading Black women to explore alternatives that honor their spirituality, culture, and femininity.

• The constant oversight of issues affecting Black women in mainstream feminism
• Higher mortality rates in pregnancy-related complications among Black women
• The imbalance between strength and softness in feminist movements

To address this discrepancy, concepts like the soft life movement, divine femininity, and womanism have emerged from Black women. These movements offer alternatives to mainstream feminism, allowing Black women to reclaim softer attributes alongside their inherent strength. By embracing divine femininity, Black women can embody matriarchal values, providing an alternative to the dominant patriarchy within feminist discourse.