As a strong woman raised by an equally formidable mother, I know that empowering women is essential. Yet, in my case, my focus is on nurturing two young boys. The world is poised to mold them into the men they will eventually become, and I am determined to guide them toward challenging the patriarchy rather than perpetuating it.
When I first met their father, Kevin, he had just moved to our vibrant city from a conservative background. Meanwhile, I was immersed in my psychology studies, exploring women’s rights and LGBTQ issues. By our third date, we were already deep into discussions about male privilege, affirmative action, and social justice—topics that were new to him but piqued his interest. Perhaps it was the Ani DiFranco tunes playing in my car, complete with a bumper sticker proclaiming “Girls Kick Ass,” that made an impression.
Fast forward nearly two decades, and that same man, who once had limited exposure to feminism, used his frequent flyer miles to send me to Washington D.C. for a march advocating for equal rights and civil liberties. He also took time off work to care for our boys, not as a babysitter but as an equal partner in parenting. He recognizes the importance of our shared values that transcend just us.
The Women’s March was ignited by widespread concern over misogyny in our political landscape, but evolved into a broader movement addressing civil liberties and climate change. A significant emphasis remained on reproductive rights and the fight against the objectification and regulation of our bodies. I marched passionately, energized by the sea of pink hats and bold slogans like “Women’s Rights Are Human Rights” and “My Body, My Choice.”
However, my motivation wasn’t solely rooted in my identity as a woman. I felt a profound sense of responsibility to raise my boys to stand against the patriarchy. Now, more than ever, we need young men who will advocate for justice, even in the face of privilege.
I’m raising my sons to aspire to be better than the politicians who belittle the voices of women. I want them to challenge “locker room talk” rather than participate in it. They need to understand that women are their equals in every sphere of life—be it as teachers, leaders, or friends. I’m instilling in them the knowledge that our nation’s strength lies in its diversity and that privilege comes with the responsibility to act.
I was touched to hear from my eldest’s principal that he expressed pride in my activism. That night, as I tucked him into bed, he called me brave. While our children will inevitably witness the injustices of misogyny and racism, they will also observe our resistance against them. They saw millions march for equality, and they note the courage of leaders from various sectors who speak out against injustice.
The future generation is watching us, and our actions matter. I hope that in the coming years, my ballot will reflect an empowering choice for women. However, I worry that our society isn’t quite ready to dismantle the patriarchy just yet. Until that day comes, I will continue to advocate and raise my boys to be allies in the fight for equality, reminding them that strong women surround us and that they must stand alongside us.
If you’re interested in understanding more about parenting and equality, check out our post here. Additionally, for those on a journey of conception, consider visiting Make A Mom for quality at-home insemination kits. You can also find valuable information on pregnancy and home insemination at Medical News Today.
In summary, I aim to raise my sons as advocates for equality, to challenge the status quo, and to work toward dismantling the patriarchal structures that persist in society.