Amongst feminist activists and supporters of women’s rights, the burkini should not be an issue of division, but instead another facet in understanding the varied understandings of female equality and liberation. Intersectional feminism is the ability to look beyond the homogenized beginnings of feminist movements and, instead, incorporates the ways in which different women experience institutions, oppression, and discrimination. Indeed, feminists should advocate for the bodily autonomy, agency, and societal freedom for all women—regardless of religion, ethnicity or class. Giving women the right to choose whether or not they wear a burkini in public spaces is crucial in the move towards feminist policy and inclusion of minority women in every aspects of French society.

Charlinda Banks is a junior at Brown University studying International and Public Affairs & Literary Arts. She was a summer intern at Frenchly in 2022. She is passionate about all things francophone and creative writing.