Each day, I send my partner off to work with a lovingly packed lunch and a tender kiss. While they’re busy at work, my time is filled with building block towers, sweeping up scattered Cheerios, and tackling the never-ending mound of laundry. I often don my favorite frilly apron while whipping up meals and indulging in baking, which brings me immense joy. I enjoy crafting, live in a suburban neighborhood, and proudly embrace my identity as a feminist.
Surprised? You might have expected feminists to align more closely with radical activists than with the archetypal figure of a nurturing homemaker. You’re not alone in this perception. The recent success of the Women’s March reignited interest in feminism, while anti-feminist narratives have resurfaced outdated stereotypes portraying feminists as anti-family or man-hating. This notion is not only comically misguided but also fosters a negative stigma that undermines our movement.
At its core, feminism advocates for the fundamental belief that women are individuals deserving of equality. The dictionary defines feminism as “the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes.” Interestingly, most Americans support gender equality yet refrain from identifying as feminists. The issue lies not in the principles of feminism but in the stigma surrounding the label itself.
Anti-feminists perpetuate these stereotypes to undermine our cause, knowing that most people agree with the principles of feminism. They can’t simply argue against equal rights for women, so they resort to cheap tactics, framing the narrative as a divisive “us vs. them” struggle. Those who belittle feminists often do so from a place of insecurity and lack of sound argumentation.
Following the historic Women’s March, many women sought to distance themselves from the movement, declaring “Not my March!” But here’s the reality: it doesn’t need to be your march. Millions of women—from bustling cities to remote towns and even Antarctica—came together to voice their concerns, making it the largest protest in U.S. history. For many, including myself, participating was a powerful act of solidarity.
Key Issues Affecting Families
As a stay-at-home mom, I found my place within the feminist movement at the Women’s March. Key issues affecting my family and countless others were front and center:
- The U.S. stands alone among industrialized nations in denying paid family leave for working parents. I believe every parent deserves to welcome a child without financial strain.
- Working mothers face an uphill battle in an environment that often disregards parenting responsibilities, and they frequently earn less than their male counterparts. I believe women should not face pay discrimination based solely on their gender.
- The tragic Sandy Hook shooting in 2012 brought forth a national promise of “never again,” yet we’ve witnessed 186 school shootings since then. I want to send my children to school without the fear of it being their last day.
- I advocate for women’s access to reproductive health care and preventative cancer screenings.
- One in three women in the U.S. suffer physical abuse from an intimate partner, and one in five women and one in sixteen men experience sexual assault in college. I want my children to pursue their education free from trauma.
- I believe my marriage should hold the same weight as any other, regardless of the gender of my partner. Everyone deserves the right to love and build a family with whomever they choose.
- I stand firmly behind the notion that black lives matter as much as my own.
- Health care, in my view, is a right, not a privilege. No one should suffer or die due to lack of access to care, especially children.
I do not hold these beliefs because I identify as liberal, a Democrat, or a feminist. I believe in them due to a fundamental sense of human decency and common sense. I marched alongside my own mother, surrounded by passionate women whose voices deserve to be heard. We will not be silenced by a few misguided individuals online who label us with derogatory terms.
The essence of the Women’s March and feminism is one of inclusion, compassion, patriotism, support, and empowerment. It is not about division or disparaging others. While we may embody the fierce spirit of “nasty women” driven by our passion and determination, we are not mean-spirited or vengeful. Don’t let the false narratives deceive you.
Feminism is a term worth embracing. If you believe in the fundamental idea that women are people, you are welcome to join us. The Women’s March was merely the starting point for a larger movement, and our journey has just begun. History is watching, and there is still time for everyone to get involved.
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In summary, being a stay-at-home mom and a feminist is not only possible but also empowering. Embrace your identity and stand strong in your beliefs.