State feminism is feminism created or approved by the government of a state or nation. It usually specifies a particular program. The term was coined by Helga Hernes with particular reference to the situation in Norway, which had a tradition of government-supported liberal feminism dating back to the 1880s, and is often used when discussing the government-supported gender equality policies of the Nordic countries, that are linked to the Nordic model. The term has also been used in the context of developing countries where the government may prescribe its form of feminism and at the same time prohibit non-governmental organizations from advocating for any other feminist program. In this sense it is possible to distinguish between a liberal state feminism found in Western democracies such as the Nordic countries, and a somewhat more authoritarian state feminism that is often also linked to secularism, found e.g. in certain Middle Eastern countries. About State feminism is when the government or the state adopts policies that are beneficial to women's rights and the improvement of women's lives. Scholars of state feminism look at the effectiveness of various government programs, and how they improve women's rights and their status in their localities. Some researchers, such as Elisabeth Friedman, have suggested that it is essential that there is a strong women's movement that works independent of the state in order for state feminism to be successful. In Australia and the Netherlands those involved with the promotion of state feminism can be called "femocrats." It can also be useful to apply the concept of state feminism to examine the policies towards women in countries that have a strong central state, such as Japan. Origin The term "state feminism" was coined by Norwegian political scientist Helga Hernes in 1987. Feminist theorists in the 1980s had begun to reconsider the role that governments could have on positive outcomes for women's lives. A state, as a system, could support the interests of different classes, genders and "racial hierarchies." It could also support a diverse number of programs that have different levels of support within government or society. The theory of state feminism originates from Scandinavian countries and their gender egalitarian policies. During the 1970s and 1980s, Scandinavian feminist organizations successfully appealed to their governments for gender equality. At the same time, many actors pushed for women to enter the work force, leading to a movement of women into the