Microfeminism at Work: The Power of Small Acts

In Türkiye there is a series called Modern Women. In one episode there is a celebration at the office for a project won under the leadership of a woman. After the applause of the team, someone asks her to cut the cake and distrubte in the room.

It looks like a simple gesture. Yet it also reveals how quickly leadership can be overshadowed by old patterns. Instead of staying in the spotlight for her success, she is placed back in the role of caretaker.

That moment stayed with me, because I have seen versions of it in real life.

And that is why I decided to write this blog.

We often talk about feminism at work in terms of big actions like new policies, representation targets, or leadership quotas. These matter, but they take time. What also matters is what happens in the everyday moments. This is where microfeminism comes in.

Microfeminism is the practice of small, everyday actions that chip away at bias and open space for inclusion. They may feel subtle, but they shift cultures one moment at a time.

I have seen this in action.

A colleague who said, “Let us go back to what she was saying,” when I was interrupted.

A manager who suggested a woman present the quarterly results to give her visibility.

A father who left early for school pick up and spoke about it without apology.

None of these acts made the headlines, but they shaped the room.

What Microfeminism Looks Like at Work

• Redirecting attention: If a woman is interrupted, say, “Let us hear her finish.”

• Giving credit where it belongs: Acknowledge the original idea owner in meetings or emails.

• Inclusive language: Use “she or he” or “they” when referring to leaders, not only “he.”

• Sharing visibility: Recommend women for important projects or presentations.

• Normalizing shared care: Men openly modeling flexibility for caregiving, school runs, or family needs.

• Amplifying voices: Publicly supporting women’s posts, articles, or talks so they reach wider audiences.

Big structural shifts happen slowly, but microfeminist acts are immediate. They signal respect, break down stereotypes, and encourage others to do the same. For women, they make the difference between being sidelined and being seen.

And for men, they are one of the most meaningful forms of allyship. You do not have to be the loudest advocate in the room. You can be the one who notices, who credits, who opens the space. That is what allyship looks like in practice.

What microfeminist act did you practice this week, or will you practice tomorrow?

Small steps add up. They shape cultures. And they make sure equality is not just a value on paper, but a lived experience at work.

👉 Share your reflections in the comments, or explore more on inclusive leadership at Her Leadership Playbook.