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I’m a modern American woman. I grew up in the era of “girl power.” As a child, I remember proclaiming “I want to be the first female president” to anyone who would listen. I still believe in “girl power.” As I’ve grown older, I have come to understand this term in new light.
As women, we were told that we should strive to own the boardroom, break the glass ceiling, become a “girl boss” (and do so all while wearing stilettos and lipstick). This is worthy ambition, and I am thankful that women now have the opportunity to pursue fulfilling careers and become successful professionals.
There’s only one problem.
In between bringing home the bacon and frying it up in a pan, did anyone ever stop to think— now that women have it all, what happens to the women who never wanted it to begin with? Are women who choose to be stay-at-home mothers any less empowered than those who choose to focus on pursuing a career? In fact, what if the modern idea of female empowerment actually denies the essence of what makes women powerful?
Don’t get me wrong, I plan to become a career woman. I am extremely passionate about my future career plans and cannot wait to spend my life making a difference in my field and earning a living. This, however, is certainly not my only aspiration. One day, I also hope to get married and have children. Not only that, I would like to be able to attend all of my children’s school functions and be home to eat dinner together every night.
Are these two paths mutually exclusive? Certainly not. I grew up with a working mother and grandmother who were highly productive in both their personal and professional capacities. Women should be able to pursue successful careers and raise a family. I am immensely grateful for the women who came before me and made this lifestyle possible. What I am skeptical of is the modern trend that suggests that all women should desire this duality. We must strike a balance somewhere. In my view, empowerment is not shaming women who work part-time in order to be at home with their children more often. Women are gifted with the natural ability to nurture. We are empathetic. We are intuitive. We are devoted. We should be given the option to find empowerment in these strengths, whether we choose to apply them to the office or our own homes. Let’s stop offering a one size fits all path toward empowerment and expecting every woman to walk away satisfied.
I am all for “girl power.” Sometimes, though, I think it is important to remember that girl power is not exclusive to the corporate arena. Sometimes it looks like a mother reading her child a bedtime story or preparing a meal for her family. In my view, that is one of the most empowered futures I could imagine.
Alli Wade, of Annville, Ky., is a member of the McConnell Scholar Class of 2022. She studies criminal justice and political science with an emphasis in law and public policy.