The "4B Movement" — AKA Women Refusing To Have Sex, Marry, Or Birth Children With Men — Is Going Viral For Obvious Reasons
by Michaela Bramwell · BuzzFeedHot Topic
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This week, twice-impeached, convicted felon Donald Trump defeated Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election, leaving women nationwide distraught about the future of abortion care, birth control, IVF, and so much more.
According to election exit polls, 55% of men voted for Donald Trump — the candidate who bragged about helping overturn Roe v. Wade, was held liable for sexual abuse, and said he would protect women "whether they like it or not."
His win sparked fear and outrage from women online.
One person said, "All the men on the tl joking lightheartedly about the election and all the women actually being scared and nauseous. what in the dystopia."
All the men on the tl joking lightheartedly about the election and all the women actually being scared and nauseous. what in the dystopia
— Grace (@GraceVanDien) November 5, 2024
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"I honestly don’t feel comfortable bringing a child into this world. I’ve seen everything that I need to see and it is enough," another wrote.
I honestly don’t feel comfortable bringing a child into this world. I’ve seen everything that I need to see and it is enough.
— Ny Price 🧚🏽♀️ (@qubitqt) November 6, 2024
"I feel like over half of America just told women their lives are less important than the cost of eggs and gas," this person reacted.
I feel like over half of America just told women their lives are less important than the cost of eggs and gas.
That’s dramatic, but that’s literally how this feels.
— Britt (@brittytigs) November 6, 2024
"Stop having sex with men ladies!!! They hate us lol," another user wrote.
Stop having sex with men ladies!!! They hate us lol
— 𝖘𝖕𝖎𝖈𝖞 (@alwaysxxspicy) November 6, 2024
And now these sentiments are turning into action. Recently, the 4B movement — a feminist protest movement started by South Korean women — has gone viral among American women for its bold tactics of no heterosexual sex, no childbirth, no dating, and no heterosexual marriage until women receive equal rights.
"Ladies, I'm being so fr when I say this: it's time to close off your wombs to males. This election proves now more than ever that they hate us and hate us proudly. Do not reward them," one user wrote on Twitter.
The 4B movement began in 2019 in South Korea, where women protested issues like abortion rights, domestic violence, the gender pay gap, and harmful beauty standards.
The "B" in 4B movement is shorthand for the word "no" in Korean. The four "B's" represent "no 'bihon' no marriage, no 'bichulsan,' no childbirth, no 'biyeonae,' no dating; and 'bisekseu,' no heterosexual sexual relationships." Similar "sex strike" protests have taken place throughout history in Colombia, Kenya, Italy, the Philippines, and other countries around the world.
Drew Afualo, a women's rights advocate and influencer, praised the 4B movement and discussed its impact on South Korea (which called its 0.72 birth rate a "national emergency" in 2023). "Women are refusing to have kids until they're treated equally and fairly. And it turns out women are a lot more essential than you would think, than men believe them to be because now the government is panicking... When people have asked me how I feel, I say, period. Whatever gets them to listen," Drew said.
Now, American women are expressing their support for the 4B movement all over the internet: "Today is the first time I've learned about the 4B movement and I feel so inspired, we need this in America, women matter," one user commented on TikTok.
"I'm married and I asked my husband for celibacy until he can get a vasectomy. Luckily he's a gem and he booked a referral appointment with his GP like the second I asked," another wrote.
"I'm in a 3 yr relationship but i'm going to do the 4b movement, not because I don't trust him but because we don't know our chances if we risk it i can't be ready for motherhood," one user commented on TikTok.
One user highlighted the importance of developing strong relationships with other women as a form of resistance: "Reminder that the 4B movement, and the separatist movement in general, isn't just about avoiding men—it's also about supporting and investing in women. Seek out relationships with women, women-owned businesses, women-made media, etc; surround yourself with women and our culture."
Reminder that the 4B movement, and the separatist movement in general, isn't just about avoiding men—it's also about supporting and investing in women. Seek out relationships with women, women-owned businesses, women-made media, etc; surround yourself with women and our culture. https://t.co/hjTsfiYW6b
— Edie V. (@rusticfem) November 6, 2024
However, some men have already begun threatening women in response to the 4B movement going viral. "Women threatening sex strikes like LMAO as if you have a say," Jon Miller, a conservative political commentator, wrote on Twitter.
women threatening sex strikes like LMAO as if you have a say
— Jon Miller (@MillerStream) November 6, 2024
Twitter: @MillerStream
If words like this are to be believed, violence against women could increase in the coming years.
You can read more about the 4B movement here.
Women, please comment below or use this anonymous Google form to let us know your thoughts on the 4B movement growing in the US.
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