"From False Feminism to True Womanhood"

The word that has created the greatest confusion in today’s society is feminism. The moment we talk about women’s rights, dignity, and independence, the movement often seems to drift away from its true purpose. Some people use it as a weapon to spark conflict between men and women, while in reality its original aim was to ensure that women received their natural rights and an equal place in society. Unfortunately, today, “false feminism” puts a question mark on that noble vision.

False feminism is where women are alienated from their natural roles in the name of freedom. Where family and relationships are seen as burdens, where sacrifice and love are considered weaknesses, and where women are pushed only to compete with men. This false feminism tries to convince women that if they wake up early to prepare tea or breakfast for their husbands, they are “enslaved.” Yet, if the same woman wakes up early to catch the office bus, she is called “modern and independent.” Such thinking does not strengthen women’s dignity; instead, it distances them from their natural beauty and power.

True feminism is entirely different. It acknowledges that men and women are not opposing poles but complementary forces. Just like the sun and moon, the Ganga and Yamuna, the earth and sky—men and women together create completeness in life. Sanatan (eternal) culture has always seen women as divine. She is the mother of creation, the goddess of knowledge, and the embodiment of strength. Our culture has never considered women inferior to men. In our traditions, Sita represents compassion, Draupadi represents courage, Savitri represents determination, and Durga represents invincible power.

True feminism gives women the right to make independent choices in every part of life—whether in career, family care, or balancing both. If a woman sacrifices for her husband, children, or family, it is not her weakness but her strength. She is the center of the family, and because of her, the balance of society is maintained. Even today, in millions of Indian homes, the first light of dawn is accompanied by the voice of a mother, the smile of a sister, and the care of a wife—this is the Sanatan perspective of womanhood, granting her not only rights but also honor and strength.

Today’s false feminism, influenced by Western thought, has turned women into beings who only “demand rights.” But true feminism teaches us that rights and duties walk hand in hand. If the man earns, the woman turns that income into prosperity for the family. If the woman works outside, the man supports her struggle. This cooperation is the true key to success in life.

The feminism of Sanatan culture is a symbol of sacrifice, cooperation, dignity, and power. It teaches us that a woman can manage a household and lead a nation alike. Gargi, Maitreyi, Apala, and Anusuya were sages who contributed their wisdom to the Vedas. At the same time, Rani Lakshmibai and Ahilyabai Holkar proved that women could also stand fearlessly on the battlefield.

False feminism pushes women towards “male opposition,” while true feminism elevates them alongside men in equal strength. Equality does not mean fighting with each other but becoming one another’s complement. Just as two wheels together move a cart forward, men and women together move society forward.

If we take inspiration from Sanatan culture, we will find that women are worshipped as the embodiment of Shakti (power). In Navratri, we worship Goddess Durga, and on Diwali, we welcome Goddess Lakshmi—these rituals symbolize that woman is the source of energy and prosperity in life. In a culture that reveres women as divine, there can be no question about their rights.

Today, society needs to recognize that the greatest freedom for a woman is her ability to choose her role herself. She may build a career, manage a home, or balance both—it is her choice. That is true feminism. If we tie women only into endless struggles for rights under Western-influenced false slogans, they will drift away from their real essence.

True feminism reminds women that they are mothers, sisters, wives, and above all, complete human beings. They carry the power to pass on values across generations. They have the strength to turn a house into a temple. They embody compassion that sweetens life and courage that rises against injustice.

Therefore, society must turn away from the hollow slogans of false feminism and embrace true feminism—rooted in Sanatan culture, which sees women as goddesses, scholars, and warriors alike. This is the path that places men and women on equal heights and builds a society that is balanced, powerful, and rooted in values.

©®Payal laxmi soni