Every morning, I send my partner off to work with a homemade lunch and a cheerful wave. While he’s busy in the office, I’m at home building block towers, sweeping up a sea of Cheerios, and tackling the never-ending mountain of laundry. I love donning my cute frilly apron as I whip up delicious meals and bake treats. I’m all about crafts, and yes, I reside in the suburbs. And guess what? I’m also a feminist.
Surprised? Many people seem to think feminists should resemble fierce activists rather than someone who enjoys a cozy home life. You’re not alone in this misconception. The resounding success of the Women’s March has put feminism back in the spotlight, yet anti-feminists have clung to outdated stereotypes that portray feminists as man-hating family detractors. This myth is not only hilariously inaccurate but also serves to perpetuate a negative stigma that hinders our collective progress.
At its core, feminism embodies the radical idea that women are individuals deserving of equal rights. The definition of feminism is straightforward: “the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes.” Most people in the U.S. believe in gender equality, yet many shy away from identifying as feminists. The issue isn’t the principles of feminism; it’s the label that often causes discomfort.
Anti-feminists thrive on these stereotypes because it’s their last resort. They know that most individuals support the concept of feminism, so instead of openly arguing against equality, they resort to cheap shots and divisive rhetoric. Those who belittle feminists often feel threatened and lack the skills for a factual debate.
After the monumental Women’s March, some women distanced themselves from the movement, declaring, “Not my March!” But here’s the reality: it doesn’t need to be your march. From our nation’s capital to remote villages and even Antarctica, millions of women rallied together. It was the largest protest in U.S. history, and for many of us, it felt empowering.
As a mom, I felt right at home as a feminist at the Women’s March. The issues impacting my family—and countless others—were front and center:
- The U.S. is the only industrialized nation that doesn’t provide paid family leave to working parents. I believe every parent should have the opportunity to raise children without financial strain.
- Working mothers face a challenging environment and often earn less than their male counterparts. Women deserve equal pay for equal work!
- The tragedy of Sandy Hook in 2012 shocked the nation, leading to promises of “never again.” Yet, we’ve endured over 186 school shootings since. I don’t want to send my kids to school fearing it might be the last time I see them.
- Women deserve access to reproductive health services and preventive care for cancer.
- 1 in 3 women in the U.S. experience physical abuse from an intimate partner. I believe my children should be safe in their educational pursuits without enduring trauma.
- I firmly believe that my marriage to my partner is just as valid as any other, regardless of gender. Everyone should have the right to love and marry whomever they choose.
- I believe that black lives are just as valuable as mine and my family’s.
- Health care should be a right, not a privilege. No one should suffer or die due to lack of coverage; children, especially, deserve care regardless of their circumstances.
These aren’t merely liberal or feminist beliefs for me; they’re rooted in basic human decency. I marched alongside my mother and many strong women whose voices demand to be heard. We’re not backing down, even if a few trolls online have tried to silence us.
Feminism embodies inclusivity, compassion, patriotism, and empowerment. It’s not about division or insults. We may be fierce in our passion and determination, but we are not hateful or vengeful. Don’t buy into the false narrative that suggests otherwise.
Feminism is not a dirty word. If you believe in the idea that women are people, you’re welcome to join us. The Women’s March was just the beginning of a larger movement, and it’s far from over. History is watching, and it’s never too late to get involved!
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Summary
Being a stay-at-home mom and a feminist is not only possible but empowering. Feminism is about advocating for equality and supporting issues that affect families. The misconceptions surrounding feminism are outdated and misleading. It’s inclusive and compassionate, and anyone who believes in women’s rights can be part of this movement.