Absolutely, You Can Be a Stay-at-Home Mom and a Feminist

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Every morning, I send my partner off to work with a packed lunch and a kiss. While he’s busy at work, I engage in building block towers, sweeping up Cheerios, and tackling the never-ending pile of laundry. I often don a cheerful apron while I cook and bake, which brings me joy. I delve into arts and crafts, and yes, I reside in the suburbs. And guess what? I’m also a feminist.

Surprised? You’re not alone. Many people envision feminists as either radical activists or traditional homemakers, but the reality is far more nuanced. The success of movements like the Women’s March has revitalized the feminist conversation, yet anti-feminists continue to cling to outdated stereotypes that paint feminists as anti-family or man-hating. This myth is not only false but also detrimental to the progress we strive for.

At its core, feminism is simply the belief that women are individuals entitled to equality. The dictionary defines feminism as “the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes.” Most people support the idea of gender equality, yet many shy away from identifying with the feminist label. The issue isn’t with the principles of feminism; it’s the stigma surrounding the term.

Anti-feminists thrive on perpetuating these stereotypes as a way to undermine our movement. They know that the majority of people support equality, so they resort to cheap shots, framing the discussion as an “us vs. them” scenario. Those who ridicule feminists often feel threatened and lack the ability to engage in meaningful dialogue.

After the massive Women’s March, some women distanced themselves from the movement, proclaiming “Not my March!” But here’s the truth: it doesn’t have to be your march. From the bustling streets of Washington D.C. to small towns and even Antarctica, millions of women marched. It was a historic moment for many of us, and it felt empowering.

As a mother, I found my place in the feminist movement at the Women’s March, where issues that impact my family and countless others were front and center:

• The United States is the only developed nation that doesn’t guarantee paid family leave for working parents. I believe every parent deserves the chance to have children without financial stress.
• Working mothers face challenges in a system that isn’t designed to support parenting, and they earn less than their male counterparts. Women should not be paid less simply because of their gender.
• The tragedy of the Sandy Hook shooting in 2012 was a wake-up call, yet we’ve seen over 186 school shootings since. I don’t want to send my kids to school worrying it might be the last time I see them.
• Women deserve access to reproductive health care and preventive cancer screenings.
• One in three women experiences physical abuse from an intimate partner in the U.S. I want my children to pursue their education free from the threat of trauma.
• I believe that my marriage should hold the same validity as any other marriage, regardless of the genders involved. Love knows no bounds.
• I stand firm in believing that black lives matter just as much as my own.
• Health care is a fundamental right, not a privilege. No one should face death due to lack of coverage; every child deserves care, regardless of their circumstances.

I hold these beliefs not because I’m a liberal, a Democrat, or a feminist, but because I possess basic human decency and common sense. I marched alongside my mother and other strong women whose voices deserve to be amplified. We won’t be silenced by a few trolls on the internet.

The essence of the Women’s March and feminism is one of inclusion, compassion, and empowerment. It’s not about division or insults. While we may be fierce in our passion and determination, we are not hateful or vengeful. Don’t fall for the false narratives that depict feminists otherwise.

Feminism is not a dirty word. If you believe in the fundamental idea that women are people, then you’re welcome to join us. The Women’s March was merely the beginning of a much larger movement that’s just getting started. History is watching, and it’s never too late for you to become a part of it.

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In summary, being a stay-at-home mom and a feminist is not only possible, it’s a powerful combination. Embracing feminism doesn’t conflict with traditional roles; rather, it enhances them. Together, we can create a more equitable world for everyone.