In response to Donald Trump’s recent election win, a group of liberal women in the U.S. have launched a “4B” movement-inspired protest, pledging to abstain from romantic and sexual relationships with men. The initiative, inspired by a South Korean feminist movement, follows a similar set of principles: no dating, no marriage, no children, and no physical relationships with men. On platforms like TikTok, women participating in the movement are encouraging others to delete dating apps, avoid relationships with men, and instead embrace platonic connections with friends over the next four years.
Some women are taking the movement further, with a few even suggesting extreme measures such as collective hysterectomies. Others have shared videos shaving their heads in solidarity, rejecting beauty standards associated with patriarchy. One TikTok user explained, “My bodily autonomy matters, and this is my way to exercise sovereignty over that,” reflecting a sentiment fueled by concerns over dwindling abortion rights and the increasing support for conservative ideologies among young men.
Exit polls from the recent election show a significant political divide by gender and age, with young men overwhelmingly supporting Trump, while young women largely voted for Kamala Harris. This disparity highlights a growing cultural and ideological gap between young men and women in the U.S., a divide that some experts suggest is influenced by conservative figures such as Joe Rogan and Adin Ross, who have seen rising popularity among young male audiences.
The protest has sparked mixed reactions online, with some mocking the movement’s radical measures, while others express support. Critics of the movement argue it may further polarize gender relations, while supporters say it underscores the importance of bodily autonomy and the influence of social movements in shaping personal choices.
