The Contradiction in Modern Feminism

I always believed feminism was about freedom; the freedom to live life on one’s own terms, to have opportunities, to follow whatever path feels true, without womanhood dictating what you can or cannot do. If that’s the case, why are some women criticised for choosing the very path feminism claims to protect: the choice to be a homemaker, a caregiver, a nurturer? It may not be something every woman wants and that’s perfectly fine, but for many it is. So why is that seen as opposing the feminist movement?

Women have proven they can excel in every field…science, medicine, music, sport, art, the list goes on; and yes, they fought hard for those opportunities. But the point was never that women must achieve these things; the point was that women should be free to define achievement for themselves and able to dream without restrictions. If fulfilment comes from dedicating oneself to family first, why shouldn’t that be respected instead of framed as “anti feminist”?

Caring for family may not earn certificates or headlines but it demands heart, effort, thought and resilience. The woman quietly raising her children or caring for ageing grandparents contributes just as much to society’s future as the woman breaking barriers in a boardroom. These differences in passion and contribution are what make the world rich and interesting.

I never thought feminism was about living a specific kind of life. To me, it was always about the freedom to choose that life for yourself. So it’s disheartening to see the movement at times doing the very thing it was meant to oppose: dictating what a woman should or shouldn’t be. Surely that’s a contradiction of its purpose.

Maybe part of today’s societal issues comes from valuing external validation over the quiet, profound work of nurturing strong family bonds :work that requires selflessness, thought and consistency far beyond applause or visibility. Personally I love family time and would choose nurturing that silently over anything more visible. But that’s me, my freedom and my choice.

In the end, feminism should protect choice in all its forms. Whether that choice leads to an office, a farm, or a home, each path shapes the world in meaningful ways. And none should be dismissed simply because it doesn’t fit someone else’s definition of empowerment.