Every morning, I wave goodbye to my partner as he heads off to work, lunch in hand and a kiss on his cheek. While he’s busy at the office, I’m at home building block towers, tidying up Cheerios, and tackling the never-ending pile of laundry. I don my favorite apron while cooking and baking—activities that bring me joy. I love getting crafty, and yes, I live in the suburbs. But let me tell you, I am also a feminist.
Surprised? You’re not alone. Many people expect feminists to embody a certain stereotype, perhaps leaning more towards the rebellious spirit of Pussy Riot than the nurturing nature of Carol Brady. The recent resurgence of feminism, particularly highlighted by the Women’s March, has unfortunately reignited some outdated stereotypes, painting feminists as anti-family or man-hating. This misconception is not only ridiculous but it also tarnishes the movement’s image, creating barriers to progress.
At its core, feminism is about the radical idea that women are human beings deserving of equality. The dictionary defines feminism as “the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes.” Interestingly, most Americans support the idea of gender equality yet shy away from identifying as feminists. This disconnect suggests that it’s not the principles of feminism people disagree with, but rather the label itself.
Anti-feminists thrive on perpetuating stereotypes, knowing that outright denial of women’s rights is no longer an acceptable stance. They create a divisive narrative, painting feminists in a negative light as a means of distraction. The backlash we saw after the Women’s March was a reflection of this—some women even distanced themselves from the movement, declaring “Not my March!” But the truth is, it doesn’t need to be a personal march to matter. Millions of women from all walks of life participated, making it the largest protest in U.S. history. For many, including myself, it was a moment of empowerment.
As a mother, I found solidarity with countless other feminists at the Women’s March. The issues we face daily as families were loudly echoed:
- The U.S. is the only industrialized nation that doesn’t provide paid family leave, leaving working parents to juggle financial burdens and child-rearing responsibilities.
- Working mothers face not only an unwelcoming work environment but also wage disparities compared to their male counterparts.
- The tragic reality of school shootings, as seen in the aftermath of Sandy Hook, continues to plague our children’s education, leaving parents in a constant state of fear.
- Women deserve access to reproductive health care and preventive treatments for conditions like cancer.
- The statistics are alarming: 1 in 3 women experience physical abuse from intimate partners, and 1 in 5 women face sexual assault during their college years. Our children should be able to pursue education without fear of trauma.
- I believe in equal marriage rights for all—my union with my husband should hold the same validity as any other love.
- I stand firmly with the belief that Black Lives Matter and that healthcare is a basic right, not a privilege.
I don’t hold these beliefs because I identify as a liberal, a Democrat, or a feminist. I hold them because they stem from a place of common sense and basic human decency. Marching alongside my own mother and other strong women, we refuse to back down, no matter the derogatory names thrown at us online.
The essence of the Women’s March and feminism is rooted in compassion, patriotism, and empowerment. It’s about unity, not division. Although we may embody “nasty women” in our fervor and determination, we are not hateful or vindictive. Don’t fall for the false narrative that seeks to undermine our cause.
Feminism is not a dirty word. If you believe in the fundamental idea that women are people deserving of respect and equality, you belong with us. The Women’s March was just the beginning of a larger movement, and there’s still time for you to join in. For more insights on this topic, check out this blog post where we explore the intersection of personal growth and activism.