Empowerment
Trump won. What now?
A Guide to Fighting the Patriarchy with Style and Purpose
By
Ladies, buckle up. It’s time to channel that collective sigh of frustration into something powerful, tangible, and joyfully rebellious. Yes, it’s a tough moment, and we need every ounce of resilience to push forward.
Spoiler alert: You don’t need to be a full-time activist to make a difference. Maybe your activism looks like volunteering at a local women’s shelter, mentoring young girls in STEM, or simply being a voice of encouragement in your network. There is no single “right” way to support women and fight patriarchy. We all contribute in our own ways, and that’s what makes our collective force unbreakable.
Here’s how we can stay hopeful, create community, and keep chipping away at the patriarchy:
1. The Power of a Good Book Club (With a Feminist Twist)
Nothing bonds like discussing the complexities of gender politics over a glass of wine or a pot of chamomile tea. Start a feminist book club that goes beyond the basics and dives deep into both contemporary and classic feminist literature. Alternate between thought-provoking fiction like The Power by Naomi Alderman and deeply resonant nonfiction such as Hood Feminism by Mikki Kendall. Make it extra fun by inviting guest speakers or authors for Q&A sessions. Zoom and livestreams make it easier than ever!
2. Consciously Support Women-Owned Brands
Forget the one-click convenience of mega-retailers. This is your rallying cry to go local or boutique and intentionally choose women-owned brands. Whether it’s chic, sustainable fashion by Stella McCartney, female-led wellness brands like Dame, or even beauty staples from indie powerhouses like Glossier—your wallet is your voice, and it shouts “I support women!” with every purchase.
Extra idea: Share your new finds with your network. Create social media posts or organize small pop-up events spotlighting these brands to amplify their impact.
3. Host ‘Idea Incubators’ and Women’s Think-Tanks
Creating safe spaces where women can brainstorm, innovate, and strategize is essential. Imagine cozy living room gatherings or online Zoom think-tanks where the only rule is to elevate, inspire, and not hold back. This could be the birthplace of your community’s next big advocacy movement, nonprofit organization, or genius app.
The topics can vary—economic empowerment, reproductive rights, or building mentorship networks—but the goal is the same: share insights, support one another, and spark ideas that lead to action.
4. Invest in Women’s Futures
Consider going beyond donations and find ways to directly invest in women-led startups or businesses. Platforms like iFundWomen offer a direct link to women seeking funding to grow their passion projects. Or, start a mini-investment group with like-minded friends to back initiatives close to your heart. It’s impact investing with a side of solidarity.
5. Create or Join Workshops Focused on Self-Empowerment
Workshops aren’t just for entrepreneurs and academics. Plan or attend community-based workshops that teach negotiation skills, public speaking, or even self-defense classes. There’s something empowering about building both mental and physical resilience. Knowledge is power, and power changes the narrative.
6. Practice Micro-Feminism in Everyday Life
While grand gestures and movements often steal the spotlight, micro-feminism is where the everyday magic happens. These small, consistent actions contribute to a larger culture of equality and respect. Micro-feminism isn’t just about protesting or organizing; it’s about creating subtle shifts in your day-to-day life that promote gender equality and empower women around you.
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Support Women in Conversations: Interrupt that pesky habit of male coworkers speaking over women during meetings by saying, “I’d love to hear her finish her thought.” It’s subtle, yet powerful, and helps shift the dynamic toward inclusive dialogue. And ever notice how a woman’s idea might not be heard until someone else repeats it? Amplify her voice. “As [her name] mentioned earlier…” ensures she gets the credit and respect she deserves.
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Challenge Stereotypes in Small Ways: This can be as simple as not apologizing when you’ve done nothing wrong, choosing empowering language, or raising an eyebrow when someone implies that women should ‘naturally’ take on more nurturing roles. Respond with grace and insight to nudge that perception toward fairness.
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Small Acts of Resistance: This could be as simple as wearing a statement T-shirt that challenges outdated norms, stocking your office with books by female authors, or politely correcting someone when they make a gendered comment. Little acts can signal to others that you’re an ally and set the tone for more inclusive behavior.
7. Stand Up and Speak Out at Work
Being assertive in the workplace is essential for your career growth and self-respect, but it’s also an act of feminism that paves the way for others. Asking for a raise, speaking up when you’re overlooked, and ensuring your voice is heard are powerful moves that challenge the status quo and demand recognition of your worth.
If you’re often talked over during meetings, assert your presence. A calm but firm, “I’d like to finish my point,” works wonders. Alternatively, when someone repeats your idea and receives credit, don’t hesitate to say, “Thank you for reiterating my point, and I’d like to expand on that…” to reclaim your voice. Drop the apologetic tone and stand firm in your expertise. Replace phrases like, “I just think…” or “I might be wrong, but…” with, “Here’s what I recommend” or “This is how we should proceed.” Assertiveness sends a signal that you believe in your expertise and deserve to be taken seriously.
Extra idea: Mentor and help other women at work so they can get promoted and more money and power can end up in the hands of women.
8. Demand Equality at Home
The fight for equality begins at home. Whether you’re living with a partner, have roommates, or are balancing family life, standing up for an equal division of household responsibilities is non-negotiable. It’s easy to fall into traditional roles, but true progress means everyone contributes, and no one bears the brunt alone.
Support other women in their efforts for equality too. Share your strategies, encourage friends to have these conversations, and celebrate the small wins that come from shifting household dynamics. Empowerment begins at home, and when you set that precedent, you inspire a ripple effect that extends far beyond your front door.
9. Raise the Next Generation of Feminists
This one’s for those who are parents, aunts, mentors, or educators. Guide the young ones by talking about equality, showcasing stories of powerful women, and teaching them to value empathy, inclusion, and critical thinking. In a world that doesn’t always reflect these values, this is perhaps one of the most important ways we fight back.
When kids see equality practiced at home and hear language that supports both genders equally, they internalize these lessons. Share tasks, show mutual respect, and have open conversations about fairness and partnership.
10. Prioritize Women’s Mental Health and Self-Care
We’re all carrying a lot, and sometimes the most revolutionary thing we can do is rest. Normalize and prioritize your own well-being and encourage other women to do the same. Create or join support groups focused on mental health, try mindfulness practices, or dive into wellness retreats that help you decompress, recalibrate, and re-energize for the long haul.
Fun challenge: Start a “Self-Care Sunday” tradition with your friends—virtual or in-person—where you collectively unplug, chat, meditate, or even share tips about how to be more empowered.
No matter how daunting the political landscape feels, remember that every conversation, every small act, and every moment of resilience chips away at the structures that need breaking. We’re not just coping—we’re planning, building, and dreaming up a world where each woman stands taller than she did before. So get out there, organize, support, and most importantly, lift each other up. Because when one of us rises, we all do!
Cassi Braun
Wow, this post really spoke to me, especially given how disheartened I’ve felt since the election results came in. It’s easy to feel powerless when the leadership at the top feels so dismissive of women’s rights. But these actionable steps reminded me that we don’t have to wait for change to come from the top; we can start building it in our own communities, one small act at a time. The idea of hosting a women’s think-tank is brilliant—I’m already picturing my living room filled with like-minded women, brainstorming ways to keep pushing for change.