Three Waves of Human Rights

In the first wave of feminism the movement was focused on quantitative rights like suffrage. In the second wave, focus was on equal recognition or qualitative rights. Second wave feminists were looking to empower women beyond equality in the eyes of the law. They also wanted equality in the eyes of society. The third wave feminists continue the efforts of the second wave, but also look to re-empower women. They are interested in agency; women’s free choice in how to conduct their lives, even if that is in a position that may oppose to the tenants of second wave of feminism. The concepts of the waves of feminism can be applied to any human rights struggle. Indigenous peoples all over the world, for example, are currently working to obtain those rights. In many places they lack first wave rights, but it is more common that indigenous groups are fighting for second wave rights like recognition of their native languages and acceptance by the mainstream culture. Some groups are working to promote agency, like the choice to work in agriculture or continue living in a village setting.