When we invited educator Isabelle Comtois onto the show, we knew this conversation would go deeper than labels, politics, and history timelines. For us—and for so many women in our community—understanding feminism isn’t an academic exercise. It’s a lived reality that shapes confidence, body image, access to care, and the strength work we do here at Head 2 Toe Strength.
This episode wasn’t about debating whether someone “is” or “isn’t” a feminist.
It was about giving language to what women already know: our experiences, choices, and freedoms didn’t show up accidentally. Women before us fought for them.
And the work isn’t done.
That’s why conversations like this are part of our mission. They sit right next to nervous-system-informed strength training, mental health support, and our belief that women deserve spaces built for them—not just marketed to them.
💬 What Feminism Really Means (And Why the Word Still Scares People)
Isabelle brings the clearest definition forward:
feminism = the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes.
Not dominance.
Not man-hating.
Not exclusion.
Just equality.
And yet? While most Americans support gender equality, only about one-fourth identify as feminists. We talked about how the word has been distorted—often by those who fear losing power or by stereotypes that flatten the movement into caricatures.
This tension is why intentional education matters. It’s not about forcing a label—it’s about understanding the systems that shape our daily lives.
To learn more about how our team approaches education and empowerment, visit Our Philosophy.
🌊 A Quick Walk Through the Waves
1️⃣ First Wave: The Fight for the Vote (1800s–1920)
Focused on suffrage and culminated in the 19th Amendment. Necessary progress—but historically centered white, middle-class women.
2️⃣ Second Wave: Choice, Work, Identity (1950s–1960s)
This era introduced mainstream feminist language—largely inspired by The Feminine Mystique. It centered the idea of choice, whether at home, at work, or both.
3️⃣ Third & Fourth Waves: Intersectionality & Inclusion (Today)
This is where the work gets expansive—and messy. Modern feminism recognizes that race, identity, disability, and sexuality shape how women experience inequality.
This mirrors exactly why our model exists: we built Head 2 Toe to serve every type of woman—not just the ones the traditional fitness industry sees. Learn more at Who We Are and Our Approaches.
🛑 “Protective Laws” That Weren’t Really Protective
Isabelle shared examples of laws that framed themselves as “protection” but functioned more like barriers:
Women exempted from jury duty to keep them out of “sordid” spaces
Night-work restrictions that conveniently preserved male-dominated jobs
Labor laws that looked helpful but also limited women’s autonomy
This part of the conversation reminds so many of our clients of how often “care” is used to restrict women—from medical settings to gym culture. It’s why we created a space where women lead their own experience, starting with consent. Explore how at our Strength Coaching page.
📉 The Rise of Anti-Feminism (Especially Among Young Men)
One of the most important parts of the episode: Isabelle’s concern about the resurgence of anti-women rhetoric, particularly online. Communities like incels and influencers who profit from outrage have made misogyny trendy again.
But she also notes something powerful:
Women are now more politically engaged and educated than ever.
That hope is the heartbeat of the episode—and the heartbeat of our work.
✨ Why This Conversation Matters for Head 2 Toe Strength
Because the history of women’s rights is the history of women’s access—to care, to safety, to rest, to strength.
When we understand:
why women weren’t allowed to exist in public spaces
why laws were written to “protect” us from our own autonomy
why the word feminist still sparks fear
…we understand the pressures women carry into our trainings, into our sessions, and into their bodies.
Our mission isn’t to teach feminism.
But it is to create a space where women can reclaim their voice, choice, and strength—without apology.
Explore more of how we do that across:
🎧 Episode Show Notes
Episode: Feminism’s Past & Present: From First Vote to Future Hope
Guests: Isabelle Comtois
Hosts: Bethany & Auria
In this episode, we cover:
What feminism actually means today
Why the word became controversial
The four waves of feminism (and why the “messiness” of the modern wave matters)
How “protective laws” limited women’s opportunities
Why anti-feminist rhetoric is rising and why it’s dangerous
Why understanding this history matters for women’s confidence and strength
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