Femininity isn’t a bad word – it’s just misunderstood.
Some brands shy away from what could be construed as ultra-feminine marketing (here look at you, green M&M no longer wearing heels), while others lean too heavily into archaic and gender-conforming stereotypes of femininity (pink! Pink!). And society still tries to equate anything feminine with frivolity or a woman’s physicality.
While it’s impossible to ever fully and accurately define “femininity” – part of what makes it so wonderful is its ever-evolving, nuanced, and individualized definitions – we wanted to get a more holistic look at how real women interpret the concept and give them a chance to redefine it in their own terms.
During Women’s History Month, Marie Claire posed the question, “What does femininity mean to you in 2022?” to a variety of remarkable women with whom we interacted. By Malala Yousafzai, activist and author of Podium on Bulletin; to Sarah Michelle Gellar, actress and Councilor of The Little Market; to Gwen Stefani, singer and founder of beauty company GXVE; and many more, here’s what we heard.
(Image credit: Daniel Williams / Marie Claire)
Femininity grows authentically into power, voice and strength.
Amanda Gorman
(Image credit: Jeopardy Productions / Marie Claire)
Femininity is a double-edged sword. The fact that I can be feminine in my daily life – with dresses and makeup and heels and everything else – is a constant source of joy for me. But it comes with the inevitable, nagging question: Am I feminine enough?
Amy Schneider
(Photo credit: Getty Images / Marie Claire)
Femininity means not being afraid to show your strength.
Diane von Furstenberg
(Credit: Shayan Asgharnia/Marie Claire)
Femininity is defined by who you are and what you want out of life, not what society expects.
Lilly Singh
(Photo credit: Courtesy / Marie Claire)
In countries all over the world I have met incredible women and girls; Because of them I see femininity as strength and courage. It is women who are protesting for their rights in Afghanistan and against the war in Russia. It is every girl who struggles through conflict, poverty and social norms to go to school and achieve her dreams.
Malala Yousafzai
(Photo credit: Getty Images / Marie Claire)
Femininity is the mother side of me. It’s the caring, caring side. This way, women see things from all angles and are able to role-play every single bad thing that could happen before it happens. The concern, the foresight of things… Being in love for the first time and having a really cool relationship brings out a femininity in me I never thought I had.
Gwen Stefani
(Photo credit: Courtesy / Marie Claire)
It’s time to shed all patriarchal connotations associated with femininity. I’m an activist and feminist who kicks ass in high heels.
Maryam Shojaei
(Photo credit: Getty Images / Marie Claire)
Femininity is complex, deep and impossible to pigeonhole, which is why it is incredible and powerful! For me, femininity is my incredible mother, who showed me the power of my voice, and my daughter, who never ceases to amaze me with her curiosity. As a mother, partner, daughter, actress and activist, I embrace my femininity by supporting all people, transgender, cisgender and anyone, no matter how they identify.
Sarah Michelle Gellar
(Photo credit: Getty Images / Marie Claire)
Femininity today means defining our own personal standards and rules. It means owning our own bodies and being celebrated for who we are as human beings.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas
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