Challenges of Cultural Relativism and the Future of Feminist Universalism

The article seeks to explain and understand the contradictions within universalistic claims of feminism. It also highlights the challenges the Women’s Movement is facing within the philosophical tenets of feminism. The paper begins by defining feminism and universalism from class and cultural points of view in relation to human rights. Then it analyzes not only the tensions between feminism and universalism (in relation to culture and class) but also shows similarities and parallels between them. This paper concludes by reviewing the challenges for Women’s Rights as Human Rights from feminism. Taking into consideration class and cultural factors and challenges to Women’s Universal Human Rights Movement, the paper argues that both must work together by making changes with regard to human rights (women and men) violations not only at the international level but also at national and local levels.