Reclaiming the Feminine

👉 This is part of A Sensitive World

Ditching the historical narrative that has cast sensitivity as a female weakness - in contrast with the ‘strong’ male - women are reclaiming the right to be sensitive.

Evidence A: Calling It Out

In the aftermath of the #MeToo movement, its ripples continue. Enabled by those who have raised their voices in public, women are feeling safer to call out problematic behaviour and react, often emotionally, instead of quietly accepting it in fear of being labelled over-sensitive or overreacting.

Evidence B: It’s Hormones, Not Hysteria

Breaking the taboos around menstruation, growing literature on the female cycle is empowering women to flow with their cycle, instead of feeling at its mercy. Better understanding how our hormones impact our mood, our energy and our skin flips the script on a topic that’s hidden in shame at best, and weaponised at worst - calling women hormonal, crazy or hysterical.

Evidence C: Death of the Girlboss

“The girlboss herself has become cringe, pastiche, an embarrassment in her dedication to the “rise and grind”. Mostly, thankfully, she’s now recognised for what she always was: an apparition…”

The girlboss persona has shattered as society rejects the unattainable standards it sets for women, the perpetuation of shiny public personas and the celebration of work ethic above all else. We’re accepting our flaws, feelings and limitations instead. Perhaps the girlboss was only created for success in a man’s world after all.

Evidence D: Stay Soft, Girlie

Mamamia & Adore Beauty editor @theamyclark’s soft tips

Amongst today’s many viral microtrends, a theme of embracing the cute and deliberately feminine has emerged - see Barbiecore and Soft Girl aesthetic. Beyond the pink and the frills, girlies are embracing softness as a defiant choice that doesn’t negate their intelligence or resilience.