"Wave feminism" refers to different periods or "waves" of the feminist movement. Each wave represents a distinct phase in the fight for gender equality. The first wave occurred in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, focusing on women's suffrage (right to vote) and legal rights. The second wave emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, aiming for social and cultural changes, like reproductive rights and equal pay. The third wave began in the 1990s, emphasizing a more intersectional approach and addressing various issues faced by women.