It began, as most cultural shifts do, with something small — a sly smirk, a sarcastic comment, a subtle refusal to play along.
No one announced it, no one planned it, yet suddenly, women everywhere seemed to be participating in the same quiet rebellion. Office hallways, classrooms, checkout lines, even hospital corridors began to hum with a different kind of energy — the kind that made men just slightly uncomfortable without quite knowing why.
Was it coincidence? Or had women finally found a new, untraceable way to push back — one that required no protests, no speeches, just a bit of wit and perfectly timed defiance? Whatever it was, it was spreading fast, and it had a name whispered half in jest and half in power: microfeminism.
When you begin to truly observe how society interacts with women, it becomes almost impossible not to recognize the endless string of inequalities woven into the fabric of daily life.
That awakening can be infuriating — and honestly, that anger is completely valid. But once that frustration builds, the question arises: what can one do with it? How do you push back against a system that’s so deeply rooted, so casually accepted, and so resistant to change?
Of course, there are large-scale actions that matter: learning, speaking up, organizing, demanding reform, and challenging institutions. Yet, resistance doesn’t always have to start with grand gestures. Sometimes, the most powerful movements begin with the smallest acts.
That’s where microfeminism comes in — those subtle, everyday gestures that quietly uplift women and question patriarchal norms. And if you’re searching for clever, defiant, or even hilariously petty ways to join in, we’ve got just what you need.
Here are some of the most delightfully chaotic, unapologetic, and creative microfeminist actions women have shared in response to a viral TikTok by Tori Dunlap. Read through them, laugh a little, and maybe pick a few to make your own.
#1
I’m not known for subtlety, but when I’m working in the ER and a father can’t answer even basic questions about his child — not the allergies, not the doctor’s name, not even the insurance details — I don’t giggle and brush it off. I let him sit in that discomfort, the same way society would criticize a mother if she didn’t know.
#2
If a male coworker starts raising his voice or losing his composure, I calmly respond, “I’m so sorry, I didn’t mean to make you emotional.”
#3
Whenever someone makes a misogynistic joke, I simply ask them to explain it. Then, with a straight face, I say, “I don’t get it. Why is that funny?” Watching them squirm is the highlight.
Microfeminism can take on many shapes — sometimes playful, sometimes serious, sometimes chaotic in the best way. But does it really make a difference in the bigger picture?
To explore that, Bored Panda reached out to Alex Schudy — better known as “The Career Queen” on TikTok — for her expert take. In her opinion, these micro-acts matter more than people might think.
“Microfeminism is an essential component of the broader feminist movement because it provides approachable actions that individuals can incorporate into daily routines,” Schudy explained. “Over time, these small behaviors accumulate and form the building blocks of larger cultural change.”
#4
When a man throws a workplace tantrum, I look him in the eye and say, “It’s okay to have big feelings — your emotions are valid. But maybe this isn’t the right time or place to process them.”
#5
As a travel agent, I always make sure the child sits with their father on the flight.
#6
As a yearbook editor, I title the women’s sports simply by the sport’s name, like “Soccer” or “Basketball.” For the men’s teams, I label them “Boys Soccer” or “Boys Basketball.”
Remaining committed to feminist ideals isn’t always effortless. Constantly questioning systems, educating yourself, confronting bias, and advocating for equity can drain even the strongest resolve.
That’s why Schudy emphasizes finding balance and remembering that even minor acts matter — which is precisely why microfeminism is so powerful.
“Ground yourself in the understanding that even the tiniest moments count,” she advised. “You don’t have to confront every injustice head-on — sometimes the most meaningful microfeminist act is showing support, displaying confidence, or simply refusing to shrink yourself to make others comfortable.”
She also added that community plays a vital role. “Surrounding yourself with people who share your values sustains your energy and reminds you that you’re not fighting alone.”
#7
When fathers claim they’re “babysitting” or “watching the kids,” I smile and say, “Oh, so you mean you’re parenting?”
#8
If a dad brings his child to the hospital and doesn’t know basic details, I have him call the mom and write everything down in front of me. Then I tell him to memorize it — because how do you not know your kid’s allergies?
#9
As a middle school art teacher, I always ask a girl to help me lift heavy boxes or open jars, then praise her strength in front of everyone.
Schudy shared a few of her own practices too.
“I’ve learned that embodying confidence is one of the most powerful microfeminist tools. I also make it a point to publicly credit women for their work — especially in environments where their efforts go unnoticed,” she said.
“I stopped seeing other women as rivals in professional spaces. Instead, I focus on building networks of women who inspire, teach, and support one another.”
#10
If a man complains that his ex or “baby mama” is crazy, I ask him, “What size shoes do your kids wear?”
#11
#12
#13
As a midwife, when a woman in labor arrives, I ask her partner for her details — due date, allergies, doctor’s name. Most can’t answer. Then I politely ask, “Sorry, who are you to her?” It’s amazing how fast they put their phones away after that.
#14
At my school, when I need a parent to pick up a sick child, I always call the father first.
#15
When introducing couples, I say, “This is Sarah and her wonderful husband, James.” Always in that order.
#16
At 6’1”, I wear heels to work to reach about 6’4”. I stay standing when talking to men so they have to look up.
#17
If a man catcalls me, I respond, “Sorry, I don’t have any change.”
#18
If I’m seated next to a man on a plane, I mirror his use of space exactly.
#19
My husband, a real estate agent, always puts the wife’s name first on contracts.
#20
I feign ignorance about men’s sports: “Oh, the NBA? Is that like the WNBA but for guys? That’s so cute!”
#21
I kept my last name after marriage, and when people assume I took my husband’s, I correct them: “No, he actually has a different last name — he didn’t take mine.”
#22
Working in pediatrics, I direct questions about a child’s health to the dad, maintaining strong eye contact until he realizes he should probably know the answers.
#23
I never hide my sanitary pads. I carry them openly to the restroom at work. Why should something natural be hidden?
#24
My husband and I both work at the same mill. A coworker always refers to us as “Jessica and her husband” — never “Greg and his wife.” I love it.
#25
I ask men, “Do you work?” instead of “What do you do for work?”
#26
In my kindergarten class, I ask the kids what their dad cooked for dinner last night — then act shocked if they say “mom.”
#28
I’m six feet tall, but I tell men I’m 5’10”. It makes them so much more uncomfortable.
#29
I have a tattoo of a woman on my arm. When people ask who she is, I say, “God.”
#30
I leave women’s sports on the TV for my dogs when I’m gone — every view boosts ratings.
#31
#32
When serving drinks, I assume the fruity cocktail with an umbrella is the man’s order.
#33
I write emails like a man — short, direct, no exclamation points or extra pleasantries.
#34
When announcing promotions, I emphasize that the women are overqualified compared to the men in identical roles.
#36
When the construction crew makes mistakes, I reassure them, “It’s okay — you just don’t have a woman’s eye for detail.”
#37
I constantly ask men if they have kids yet — or when they plan to — just to mirror the question women hear endlessly.
#38
After my male VP got a short haircut, I complimented him: “I love your pixie cut!”
#39
If I need to hire consultants or appraisers at work, I reach out only to women.
#40
When walking down the street, I don’t move out of the way for men.
#41
I open presentations with, “Hello ladies — and sons of ladies.”
#42
Online, I just assume everyone’s female until proven otherwise.
#43
I always assume men are talking about women’s sports instead of men’s.
#44
If a couple doesn’t share a last name, I address mail using the woman’s surname.
#45
I’m earning my doctorate so people will address me as “Dr.” before my husband.
#46
I correct anyone who calls her “Kamala” with, “You mean Harris.”
#47
As an engineer, I stamp documents with pink ink — a subtle reminder that a woman approved their work.
#48
When I worked as a cashier, I’d “forget” to scan period products.
#49
I call women “ma’am,” but never men “sir.” They enjoy that title too much.
#50
I listed wives’ names first on every wedding invitation — even for my husband’s groomsmen.
#51
I call men “girl.” As in, “Thanks, girl.” Watching them short-circuit is priceless.
#52
As an engineer, every model and diagram I make is pink.
#53
When I worked in a supermarket, I never charged for tampons or pads — because we shouldn’t have to pay for them.
#54
As a server, I always ask the men what their kids would like to eat.
#55
I refer to male politicians by their first names only.
#56
When men ask if the food is spicy, I say no — when it definitely is.
#57
Whenever something’s poorly designed, I mutter, “A man probably built this.”
#58
Not exactly feminism, but I love to remind people: “Men used to go to war — now their wives pay the bills.”
#59
I open my pad wrappers as loudly as possible in public bathrooms.
#60
When letting cars merge in traffic, I only make room for women drivers.
In the end, what these stories reveal is that feminism isn’t always loud, organized, or headline-making — sometimes, it lives in the tiniest, sharpest corners of daily life.
Microfeminism may seem small, even mischievous, but its strength lies in its subtlety. Each sarcastic comment, quiet correction, or unapologetic display of confidence chips away at the social habits that have long kept women in the background.
Together, these gestures become something larger — a cultural ripple that challenges expectations, redefines respect, and empowers women to occupy space without apology.
As Alex Schudy noted, transformation doesn’t always require a protest sign or a policy shift; it can begin with one person refusing to shrink, one moment of humor used as defiance, or one act of solidarity that reminds another woman she’s not alone.
The beauty of microfeminism is that it meets every woman where she is — in her workplace, her classroom, her marriage, or even her morning commute — and gives her a tool to reclaim agency in a world that often overlooks her.
So whether it’s correcting a careless remark, celebrating another woman’s success, or simply walking tall and refusing to move aside, these small rebellions matter.
They are the whispered revolutions of everyday life — the kind that, over time, become impossible to ignore.