Take Back "Feminine": Redefining for Ourselves.

Isn’t it time for women to reclaim the meaning of femininity? For too long, men have tried to dictate not only our choices about our bodies and health, but also what it means to be successful, beautiful, strong, and—ultimately—feminine. According to Webster’s Dictionary, “feminine” is defined as the qualities and features traditionally associated with being a woman.

These traditional characteristics include:

• Nurturing: Caring for and supporting others, especially children

• Empathy: Understanding and sharing the feelings of others

• Sensitivity: Being attuned to emotional states

• Gentleness: Showing kindness and a lack of aggression

• Patience: Remaining calm and tolerant in the face of challenges

• Intuition: Knowing without conscious reasoning

• Cooperation: Working well with others and valuing teamwork

• Submissiveness: Yielding to the will or authority of others (a controversial and outdated trait)

• Humility: Having a modest view of one’s own importance

These traits have long been linked to roles like caretaker, homemaker, or helper.

But language—and society—evolves. Why should the word “feminine” remain stuck in the past? Why can’t we let go of outdated definitions and create our own?

If we, as a society, were to redefine “feminine,” what would your version look like?

To me, being feminine means identifying as a woman or girl, communicating with clarity and intuition, leading with purpose, confidence, and integrity, and knowing your own worth.