Third-wave feminism began in the early 1990s, in response to the perceived failures of the second-wave initiatives. Though the rights gained by feminists of the second wave served as a foundation for the third wave, they sought to challenge the second wave's essentialist definitions of femininity, which over-emphasized the experiences of upper-middle-class white women. The third wave saw the emergence of new feminist trends and theories, such as intersectionality, sex positivity, ecofeminism, transfeminism, and postmodern feminism.
The third wave was much more inclusive of women of color than the first or second waves had been.
In reaction to stereotypical images of women as passive, weak, and faithful, the third wave redefined women and girls as assertive, powerful, and in control of their sexuality.
A distinguishing factor of the third wave was the ubiquitousness of the Internet which provided a platform for the exchange of information, news, and opinions, and could reach a large and diverse audience.
Some major issues that were taken up in the public forum by third-wave feminists are:
· Sexual liberation- feminists focused on changing societal norms that placed women in a sexually subservient role.
· Reproductive rights - they advocated for women having the right to make their own choices about their body and stated that it was a basic right to have access to birth control and abortion.
· Reclamation of derogatory terms- 'Spinster', 'bitch', 'slut', were some of the terms used to oppress and label women by the patriarchy. Third-wave feminists aimed at reclaiming these terms and use them as tools of liberation.
· Trans- feminism - The discussions on gender, body image, and sexuality made the movement more inclusive to trans feminists.

In the end, third-wave feminism failed to make any significant change in society because it lacked cohesion and strong cultural momentum. However, I feel that it was quite successful in broadening the feminist discourse and making it more inclusive. The ingenious use of pop-culture helped in spreading feminist ideas. With the help of the internet the feminist movement reached the grass root levels, and made every female aware of her rights.

Sources
• Image from- www.bleedshamelessly.com
• https://www.vox.com/2018/3/20/16955588/feminism-waves-explained-first-second-third
• https://www.pacificu.edu/magazine/four-waves-feminism