Exploring Identitarian Feminism at the Helsinki Conference on Emotions, Populism, and Polarisation
From March 5–7, 2025, the 5th Helsinki Conference on Emotions, Populism, and Polarisation (HEPP5) brought together researchers from around the world to discuss key issues in contemporary politics and media. Among them was Gwenaëlle Bauvois, a researcher from the ARENAS project, who presented her latest work on Identitarian Feminism and Femonationalism.
What Was the Talk About?
Gwenaëlle’s presentation focused on Collectif Némésis, a French identitarian feminist group that uses traditional feminist activism—such as protests, posters, and artistic actions—but with a nationalist and anti-immigration agenda. This phenomenon highlights the growing appropriation of feminist rhetoric by far-right movements to advance exclusionary politics.
Where Does This Study Come From?
The study stems from a 2024 report on the historical roots of extremist narratives in Europe, published as part of ARENAS project. In this report, Gwenaëlle Bauvois (University of Helsinki) and Claudia Jareño Gila (University of Cergy Paris) explored the connections between gender and extremist narratives. This led them to investigate further how groups like Némésis reshape feminism to serve identitarian goals.
Feminism or Nationalism? Understanding Femonationalism
Using the concept of femonationalism, the study examines how Némésis blends feminist rhetoric with far-right ideologies, often linking immigration to gender-based violence.
The study analyzes how Némésis communicates its message through platforms like X , alternative media, and mainstream right-wing oulets. It also explores how mainstream media coverage contributes to amplifying extremist gender narratives and examines the evolution of feminist activism, particularly its appropriation by identitarian and far-right movements.
This work sheds light on emerging forms of activism and the strategic use of media in far-right gendered discourse.
Want to know more? Check out the Helsinki Conference on Emotions, Populism, and Polarisation here.
