On June 09, 2022, the Asfari Institute for Civil Society and Citizenship hosted a panel discussion titled “Impostor Feminism: Instrumentalizing and Depoliticizing Feminism” as part of its Gender and Feminism Roundtable Series. This event brought together notable voices, including Paola Salwan Daher, Senior Global Advocacy Advisor at the Center for Reproductive Rights, Fatma Torkhani, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Arabia Vox, and the Asfari Institute’s Director Lina Abou-Habib. The discussion aimed to dissect the phenomenon of “impostor feminism”—a term used to describe a version of feminism that adopts safe rhetoric and strategies, ultimately reinforcing existing power structures without challenging the status quo.

Defining Impostor Feminism

Lina Abou-Habib opened the discussion by defining impostor feminism as a form of feminism that uses non-threatening language and strategies. This approach avoids disrupting the entrenched patriarchal structures, effectively preserving the status quo while appearing to advocate for change. It engages with patriarchal foundations in ways that are more about dialogue and less about real, transformative action.

Personal Journeys and Feminist Realizations

Fatma Torkhani shared her experiences of encountering white feminism while growing up in Paris, where feminism was often leveraged to justify colonialism. Her journey toward intersectional feminism began with Black American authors like Toni Morrison, who provided a more inclusive perspective. Fatma highlighted how imposter feminism often overlooks the struggles of minorities, such as Arabs and people of color, demonstrating how systemic biases can manifest in feminist discourse.

Paola Salwan Daher, drawing from her experiences with feminist collectives and leftist political parties, discussed the complex layers of power dynamics and discrimination that intersect globally. Identifying as an intersectional Marxist feminist, Paola criticized the assumption that abolishing capitalism alone would resolve all other forms of discrimination. She emphasized that sexism and racism are integral to capitalism’s functioning and critiqued how leftist political parties often fail to support women who come forward with experiences of sexual abuse.

Instrumentalizing Feminism

The panelists also examined how feminism is sometimes instrumentalized to serve political and economic agendas while undermining genuine gender struggles. Paola addressed the problematic “we can do it” attitude, which can shame women who do not meet certain success criteria, ignoring factors such as access to education and financial resources.

A Call for Genuine Feminist Practice

As the discussion wrapped up, Abou-Habib emphasized the need for a feminist practice that truly challenges existing power dynamics rather than merely adapting to them. The panel reinforced that while experiences and perspectives may vary, the quest for genuine gender equity requires persistent activism and an unwavering commitment to confronting patriarchal structures.

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