Feminism for a World on Fire by Natasha Walter review – hope amid the hopelessness

The current state of feminism is marked by fragmentation and discord. For decades, the individualistic narratives that dominated feminist discourse have given way to a more isolating, competitive environment. This phenomenon is not new; Natasha Walter’s latest book, “Feminism for a World on Fire,” examines the commodification of feminism and its disconnection from the struggles faced by marginalized communities.

Walter critiques the “aspiration feminism” that has come to define modern feminist discourse – an ideology that emphasizes individual agency and personal success above all else. This approach has led to the proliferation of glossy self-help books, exploitative marketing campaigns, and the co-optation of feminist symbols by corporate interests. The infamous pink pussy hat, for instance, was knitted by activists as a symbol of solidarity, only to be copied and sold for £140 apiece by companies like Missoni.

The consequences of this trend are far-reaching. As Walter argues, feminism has become complicit in the systems it seeks to dismantle. The “real beauty” promised by Dove is a mirage, hiding behind a veil of single-use plastic sachets that contribute to environmental degradation and perpetuate ecological destruction. The focus on individual success has also led some feminists to prioritize the interests of British women over those of migrants, further entrenching divisions within the movement.

However, Walter’s book is not just a critique; it’s also a testament to the power of solidarity and collective action. She draws inspiration from indigenous scholar Yuria Celidwen’s idea that political journeys must begin with grief, acknowledging the pain and trauma inflicted by systems of oppression. This approach is exemplified in the stories of women like Holly Archer, who has dedicated her life to supporting survivors of abuse and exploitation.

Walter’s travels to Rojava, where she met with radical women fighting against authoritarianism and misogyny, serve as a powerful reminder that feminism is not just a Western concept. These women are building something new – a community based on mutual aid, solidarity, and collective struggle. Their stories offer a vision of what it means to be a feminist in the 21st century: not about individual triumph, but about working together towards a more just and equitable world.

The intersection of feminism and environmentalism is crucial, as Walter highlights through her discussion of climate change and its disproportionate impact on women. Rising sea levels, water scarcity, and food shortages are issues that disproportionately affect women, yet they are often left out of the conversation around climate action.

In “Feminism for a World on Fire,” Walter challenges readers to rethink their assumptions about what it means to be a feminist in this new world order. She urges us to move beyond individualistic narratives and towards a more collective, solidarity-based approach that prioritizes the needs of marginalized communities. This requires confronting our own complicity in the systems we seek to dismantle – and working together towards a future where feminism is not just a set of ideals, but a lived reality.

Ultimately, Walter’s book offers a message of hope in dark times. As she reminds us, feminist joy is not about buying expensive pink pussy hats or celebrating individual success; it’s about building something new with others – and dancing at their weddings when the seemingly impossible has been achieved.