The Fight for Equality, Not Gender Wars: Rebuilding Our Values

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: decades ago, our grandmothers and mothers fought hard for equality. Their struggle wasn’t about being better than men; it was about creating a world where women had the same opportunities—whether in a career, as mothers, or both.

Recently, I’ve had difficult conversations with self-proclaimed feminists and gender experts, and it’s left me uneasy. As a mother of two boys, I am increasingly concerned about the direction this movement is heading. Instead of fostering equality, we seem to be losing balance. What once was a fight for equal opportunities now feels like a battle against men.

It’s unsettling to watch the values I grew up with—collaboration, respect, and family—give way to a narrative that emphasizes conflict over cooperation. Feminism was never about choosing sides but about creating a fair world for everyone, men and women alike.

In this blog, I want to share my views on gender equality and how radical feminism has created a rift, not just between men and women, but within women themselves. It's time to return to the true spirit of feminism, one rooted in respect and balance.

The Roots of Feminism

The original feminist movement was clear: equality in voting, equal pay, and fair treatment in all aspects of life. This feminism empowered women without tearing men down. It created space for women to succeed in both their personal and professional lives.

But radical feminism has shifted the conversation from equality to blame, often focusing on viewing men as the problem. This shift has left younger generations confused, wondering if the movement is about equal opportunities or about waging a gender war.

The Fallout of Radical Feminism

Radical feminism has deepened the divide between men and women. One of the most significant consequences has been the alienation of men. By devaluing traditional male roles and labeling masculinity as toxic, we risk creating a generation of disengaged and resentful men.

Meanwhile, women are caught in a different kind of struggle. Many feel torn between embracing traditional roles like motherhood and pursuing a career, all while navigating a movement that often criticizes family choices. The pressure to conform to a certain feminist ideal can leave women feeling alienated from their own goals and values.

Confusion Among Young Women

The line between gender equality and radical feminism is often blurred for today’s younger women. They are bombarded with messages of empowerment that sometimes veer into extremism, making collaboration with men seem like a betrayal. As a result, many young women feel conflicted, unsure if they can pursue family life without sacrificing their feminist identity.

The Importance of Inclusion and Balance

True equality is about balance, not dominance. Radical feminism has left men out of the conversation, but society thrives when both men and women are included. Men have an important role to play in families, workplaces, and communities. Excluding them only widens the gap.

Inclusion should mean recognizing that both genders bring strengths and that everyone should feel empowered to make their own choices—whether that means focusing on a career, raising a family, or doing both.

Women’s Role in Society

Women have always played a vital role in sustaining society, particularly within the family. Feminism has rightly expanded our roles beyond the home, but it’s important not to dismiss the value of caregiving and community building. These roles are not outdated; they are essential to the foundation of a healthy society.

Women should feel free to embrace all of their roles—whether at home, at work, or both—without feeling diminished or judged.

Returning to the Core of Feminism

It’s time to reclaim the original spirit of feminism, which was never about conflict, but about collaboration. The fight for equality isn’t over, but it’s important to focus on working together rather than against one another.

Feminism can and should create a world where both men and women can thrive, where mutual respect prevails, and where we value the contributions of all.