Every morning, I send my partner off with a homemade lunch and a warm embrace. While he is at the office, I immerse myself in building block towers, tidying up Cheerios, and navigating the never-ending cycle of laundry. I don a colorful apron while whipping up delicious meals and indulging in my love for crafting. I reside in a suburban neighborhood, and yes, I identify as a feminist.
Surprised? Many seem to think feminists should embody a more rebellious spirit rather than the nurturing archetype of a traditional homemaker. You’re not alone in this perception. The resurgence of the Women’s March has brought feminism back into the spotlight, yet outdated and misguided stereotypes about feminists being anti-family persist. These misconceptions not only misrepresent us, but they also hinder our movement.
At its core, feminism is simply the belief that women are human beings deserving of equality. The definition of feminism is “the theory of the political, economic, and social equality of the sexes.” Interestingly, while most Americans support gender equality, many shy away from the feminist label. It’s not the ideals of feminism that are objectionable to many, but rather the stigma attached to the term itself.
This stigma is perpetuated by anti-feminists who aim to undermine our cause. They recognize that most people support feminism’s core principles and thus resort to portraying feminists in a negative light. The narrative becomes a cheap “us vs. them” game, revealing their insecurity and lack of substantive arguments.
In the aftermath of the Women’s March, some women distanced themselves from the movement, declaring “Not my March!” However, the truth is, it doesn’t have to align with everyone’s viewpoint. From major cities to small towns and even Antarctica, millions of women united in protest. It was a historic moment, and many of us marched for our own rights, which felt empowering.
Key Concerns for Families
As a mother, I found my place among fellow feminists at the Women’s March, where the issues affecting families like mine were prominently represented. Key concerns included:
- The U.S. stands alone among industrialized nations in denying working parents paid family leave. Every parent deserves the opportunity to raise children without financial strain.
- Working mothers face challenges in a system that often lacks support for parenting while dealing with wage disparities based solely on gender.
- The tragedy of the Sandy Hook shooting in 2012 led us to vow “never again,” yet we’ve witnessed countless more school shootings since then. I refuse to send my children to school, fearing it may be the last goodbye.
- Access to reproductive health care and preventive cancer screenings is essential for women.
- Alarmingly, 1 in 3 women experience physical abuse from intimate partners in the U.S., while 1 in 5 women and 1 in 16 men face sexual assault during college. I want my children to pursue their education free from such trauma.
- My marriage should hold equal value regardless of the gender of my spouse. Everyone deserves the right to love whom they choose and build a family.
- I firmly believe that black lives matter as much as my own and that health care is a fundamental right. No one should suffer or die due to a lack of coverage, especially children.
These beliefs aren’t rooted in a specific political identity; they stem from basic human decency and common sense. I stood alongside my own mother, surrounded by strong women whose voices demand acknowledgment. We won’t be silenced by a few disparaging comments online.
The essence of the Women’s March and feminism is one of inclusivity, compassion, and strength. It’s not defined by division, insults, or hostility. While we may be fierce in our advocacy, we are not malicious or vindictive. Reject the notion that feminism is a dirty word; if you share the belief that women are people deserving of rights, you are welcome here. The Women’s March was merely the beginning of a larger movement, and history is watching. It’s never too late to join us.
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In summary, being a stay-at-home mom and a feminist is not only possible but also a powerful stance. Feminism encompasses the belief in equality and the right to love, work, and live without fear or prejudice. Together, we can continue to pave the way for future generations.