People who have known me for a long time can attest to the significant evolution in my views over the years. Embracing change is, in my opinion, a crucial aspect of being a well-rounded adult. My perspective began to shift even before the birth of my third child—a daughter.
In my earlier days, I didn’t see myself as a feminist because I didn’t fully comprehend what that term truly meant. I wrongly believed that feminists were those who disrupted societal norms by burning bras and turning down gestures of chivalry. I thought they were just angry women who harbored resentment towards men.
Truth be told, I enjoy having doors held open for me, I appreciate my bras, and I like men. I take pride in being a woman. Here’s a little secret: there was a time when I told friends I thought a woman could never lead the nation. Can you believe it? I actually believed that. It’s quite embarrassing.
“Men are simply better at that kind of leadership,” I said. Looking back, I can’t help but cringe. Luckily, I’ve been surrounded by patient and wise friends who didn’t abandon me when I expressed such outdated beliefs. They helped me realize that being a feminist doesn’t mean rejecting femininity or desiring less respect as a woman. Instead, feminism is about embracing our identities and celebrating our strength. Feminists advocate that girls can achieve anything, deserve equal pay, and encourage one another to be courageous.
Some feminists, like me, choose to leave unfulfilling corporate jobs to focus on family life, while others might opt to travel the world instead. Feminism allows us the freedom to make our own choices—because women are fully capable of deciding what’s best for us.
Not only did I come to identify as a feminist, but I also recognized my responsibility to raise my three children with an understanding of women’s empowerment. It’s a big job, but one I take on with pride. Teaching my daughter to be confident and assertive has been one of the most rewarding parts of motherhood. Watching her stand up for herself instead of shying away fills me with immense joy.
Just recently on Halloween, we went trick-or-treating in a friend’s neighborhood. My daughter, Mia, approached a little boy dressed as a police officer who was driving a huge, battery-operated cop car. She tugged on the passenger door and said, “I want a ride.”
The adults around us cooed at how adorable this was, but Mia had other plans. When she climbed into the car, she looked at the boy and declared, “You’re in my seat.” The boy seemed perplexed, caught off guard by her assertiveness. She repeated herself, this time louder and with determination, “You’re in my seat.”
What followed was an intense stare-down between Mia and the little boy. He looked uncertain, while she exuded confidence. I had to suppress my laughter as I noticed his parents’ shock at their son being told what to do by a girl. After a brief standoff, the boy finally relented and moved aside. Mia took the wheel and sped off, and I couldn’t have been prouder.
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In summary, my journey to understanding feminism has transformed my views and my approach to parenting. I now actively teach my children about the strength and power of women, ensuring they embrace their identities and strive for equality in every aspect of life.