The Catalyst Collective

In a world where gender equality is a widely proclaimed ideal, the trial and subsequent verdict of Gisele Pelicot serve as a stark reminder of how deeply rooted societal biases against women remain. The case, which captivated international attention, highlighted not only the systemic injustices women face but also the cultural attitudes that perpetuate these inequities—even in the 21st century. The Case That Shook the World Gisele Pelicot, a prominent women’s rights activist and entrepreneur, stood trial for allegedly embezzling funds from her nonprofit organization. Despite presenting compelling evidence that the financial discrepancies were the result of clerical errors and a lack of oversight rather than intentional malfeasance, the court found her guilty. The verdict sparked outrage among feminist organizations and human rights advocates who saw the trial as emblematic of a broader societal issue: the tendency to scrutinize and vilify women in positions of power far more harshly th...

South Africa, often referred to as the "rape capital of the world" due to its staggering rates of gender-based violence (GBV), recently hosted Chris Brown, a global celebrity with a controversial history involving violence against women. This decision has sparked critical discussions about the country’s priorities and the broader implications of welcoming such figures in a society grappling with pervasive GBV. South Africa’s GBV Crisis South Africa’s gender-based violence statistics are among the highest globally. According to reports: Over 40% of South African women have experienced sexual or physical violence in their lifetime. Femicide rates are five times higher than the global average. In 2022 alone, over 12,000 cases of rape were reported in just three months. Despite numerous government initiatives and civil society efforts, these numbers remain alarming, revealing systemic failures to protect women and hold perpetrators accountable. Chris Brown’s Controversial Legacy ...

In December 2024, OnlyFans creator Lily Phillips released a documentary titled  I Slept With 100 Men in One Day , chronicling her experience of engaging with 100 men within a single day to produce content for her platform.  People The documentary provides an intimate look into Phillips' journey, capturing moments of emotional vulnerability. In one scene, she reflects on the experience, expressing feelings of disassociation and the challenge of recalling individual encounters. She states, "In my head right now, I can think of like five, six guys, 10 guys that I remember and that’s it. But it’s just weird, isn’t it? If I didn’t have the videos, I wouldn’t have known I've done 100."  People Phillips' endeavor has sparked significant debate. Critics argue that such acts may perpetuate harmful stereotypes and raise concerns about the commodification of intimacy. Feminist writer Julie Bindel cautions against celebrating Phillips as an "icon of sexual liberation,...

The growing prominence of social justice movements like #MeToo has brought significant attention to the pervasive issue of gender-based violence and abuse. However, these movements have also exposed a complex phenomenon: selective activism—a situation where individuals, including women, may advocate against abuse in general but fail to hold certain abusers accountable if they like or admire them. This selective approach raises questions about loyalty, power dynamics, and societal conditioning. It becomes especially evident in cases involving influential figures such as celebrities, charismatic leaders, or loved ones. For example, fans of abusive celebrities often rationalize or downplay accusations, citing the individual’s talent, perceived good character, or personal connection to their work. In these scenarios, the public outrage that typically accompanies allegations of abuse is replaced with silence or outright defense, leaving survivors sidelined and silenced. Why Does Selective...

Feminism in Zambia has been a growing force for change, championing gender equality, women’s rights, and social justice. Over the years, feminist organisations have emerged as crucial players in addressing gender-based violence, promoting women’s political participation, and challenging societal norms that perpetuate inequality. Whether you’re seeking to collaborate, learn, or support these movements, understanding the work of feminist organisations in Zambia is a vital first step. The Role of Feminist Organisations Feminist organisations in Zambia are at the forefront of advocacy, education, and empowerment. They work to dismantle patriarchal structures by engaging with policymakers, creating awareness, and providing safe spaces for women and girls. These groups focus on key areas such as: Gender-Based Violence (GBV):  Raising awareness and offering support to survivors. Economic Empowerment:  Equipping women with skills and resources to achieve financial independence. Leader...

On December 10, 2024, thousands of Kenyan women and allies took to the streets in a powerful display of resistance against the alarming rates of femicide and gender-based violence (GBV) in the country. This protest marked one of the largest feminist demonstrations in Kenya's history, with over 20,000 participants rallying for justice, accountability, and systemic change. The Alarming Context Kenya has witnessed a troubling rise in femicide and GBV cases in recent years. Reports indicate that over 500 femicides occurred between 2019 and 2023, with numerous cases going unreported due to societal stigma and inadequate legal protections. In 2024 alone, over a dozen high-profile cases, including the murder of women in rented accommodations, sparked public outrage and became the tipping point for this movement. Key Demands of the Protesters The marchers presented a clear set of demands aimed at addressing the systemic failures contributing to GBV: Justice for Victims : Protesters called ...

TikTok trends often blend humour with relatable struggles, and the “I can’t pay the mortgage this month” videos are no exception. On the surface, these videos—where women jokingly announce financial struggles to prompt partners to step in—might seem like harmless fun. However, this seemingly lighthearted trend has darker implications when viewed through the lens of financial literacy and power dynamics in relationships. For women who lack a clear understanding of their mortgages or finances, this trend can unintentionally highlight vulnerabilities that could lead to financial abuse. Here’s why: --- What Is Financial Abuse? Financial abuse is a form of control where one partner manipulates or restricts the other’s access to financial resources, leaving them dependent or powerless. While often subtle, it can escalate to situations where a victim loses their autonomy over critical decisions, including housing and finances. --- How the Trend Links to Financial Abuse 1. Knowledge Gaps and D...

The 4B Movement, originating in South Korea, is gaining traction worldwide, particularly in the U.S., where it resonates as a form of protest against systemic patriarchy and recent political developments. The movement's principles—rejecting marriage, childbirth, dating, and sex with men—represent a radical shift in feminist discourse and personal choices. Here’s how the movement might evolve in 2025: 1. Increased Globalisation The 4B Movement is likely to expand further across Western societies. Triggered by concerns over issues like reproductive rights, wage gaps, and systemic misogyny, many women are turning to this movement as a form of protest. For example, the overturning of *Roe v. Wade* and political shifts in the U.S. have catalysed its adoption as a reaction to perceived setbacks in gender equality. 2. Social Media as a Catalyst Social media platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) will continue to amplify the movement’s message, allowing it to reach younger, digital...

Despite significant advancements in global human rights, education, and gender equality, child marriage remains a pervasive issue across the world in 2024. Affecting millions of girls and boys, this practice continues to undermine their fundamental rights, limiting opportunities for education, economic participation, and personal development. Child marriage is not just a relic of the past; it is a present-day crisis that requires urgent global attention and action. The Global Scope of Child Marriage As of 2024, an estimated 12 million girls are married before the age of 18 every year, according to the United Nations. This translates to about 23 girls every minute, or one girl every 2.6 seconds. While the prevalence of child marriage has declined in some regions, it remains alarmingly high in many parts of South Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and parts of the Middle East. Countries such as India, Nigeria, Bangladesh, and Indonesia continue to report significant rates of child marriage, despi...

Feminism has a rich and diverse history that spans centuries, cultures, and movements. For young feminists looking to deepen their understanding of its origins and evolution, books are a powerful tool. This curated list highlights essential feminist texts, where to find them, and why they remain influential today. --- 1. "A Vindication of the Rights of Woman" by Mary Wollstonecraft - About the Book: Published in 1792, this foundational feminist text argues for women’s education and equal treatment in society. Wollstonecraft’s work laid the groundwork for later feminist movements. - Why It’s a Must-Read: It is one of the earliest written arguments advocating for gender equality and women’s intellectual development. - Where to Find It: Available on [Project Gutenberg](https://www.gutenberg.org) for free, in most libraries, or as an affordable paperback. 2. "The Second Sex" by Simone de Beauvoir - About the Book: Written in 1949, this seminal text explores the construc...