Reclaiming Femininity

In today’s world, female empowerment is a topic that’s getting more and more attention and rightfully so. It’s all about celebrating women’s strength, independence and resilience. An important talking point I've come across recently, that sometimes gets lost in the conversation, is the idea that to be empowered women have to downplay their feminine traits and adopt more traditionally masculine qualities. 

Instead of seeing femininity as something that needs to be downplayed to be seen as strong, we should be embracing it for the power it holds. Traditional feminine qualities such as empathy, nurturing and softness are not weaknesses. They are things that allow for connection, growth and emotional depth. When represented authentically these qualities can empower women just as much as traits that are typically associated with strength. In both fashion and media, femininity is often reduced into idealised images that objectify it. Women’s softness and vulnerability are frequently shown as fragile rather than as powerful and multifaceted qualities.

Masculine qualities such as aggression, dominance and emotional detachment are often pushed when defining strength and success. These traits are frequently celebrated and associated with power, therefore leading to the misconception that women must take on these characteristics in order to be considered strong or empowered. This focus on masculine traits reinforces patriarchal norms by having them as the standard for power and success, reinforcing gender inequality.

Femininity and masculinity aren’t opposing forces, they can coexist and complement each other. 

In my current project, I’m exploring the connection between nature and femininity. I’m fascinated by how women and the natural world are intertwined. While I’m exploring these themes, I’m trying to be very mindful of how I represent femininity. I want to celebrate the soft and nurturing side of women, but in a way that doesn’t objectify or diminish them. 

By rejecting the perception that women need to embody exclusively masculine traits to be empowered, we can celebrate the unique strength found in femininity that is its own softness and resilience. This shift allows us to move on from outdated expectations and embrace a future where all qualities, regardless of gender, are recognised and valued.