Beyond Gender Roles: Defining Femininity, Balance, and Womanhood in Today’s World

Q:How do you define femininity in today's world? Is it important to you, and if so, how do you express it?

A: In today’s world, femininity isn’t really about fitting into a specific role or set of expectations anymore. It’s become something more open—something people define for themselves in a way that feels right to them. Personally, I think of femininity as a mix of qualities like empathy, strength, and flexibility. It’s not really tied to how someone dresses or acts, but more about how they carry themselves or approach different situations. For me, femininity shows up in the way I juggle different roles—being a mom, a professional, a caretaker, a partner. Each one asks for something a little different, and finding a rhythm between them is part of how I express that side of myself. I wouldn’t say I’m overly focused on defining it, but I do try to show up in those roles with intention and balance.

Q: Have you ever faced challenges because of your gender? How did you overcome them, and what advice would you give to younger women facing similar obstacles?

A: When I think about a time I faced a challenge related to gender, it was in a professional setting. My boss at the time had a strong need for power and control, and it became clear that he felt intimidated by women who asked questions or challenged his thinking. His lack of support and inability to handle confident women made it a difficult environment to navigate. As hard as that situation was, it ultimately helped me grow. I had a choice: I could let his mindset bring me down, or I could use it as motivation. I chose the latter. I picked up my chin, reminded myself that his reaction reflected his limitations—not mine—and let the experience fuel my drive rather than diminish it. To younger women facing similar challenges, my advice is this: Stay true to who you are. You’ll naturally have qualities and traits that make you unique, and not everyone will know how to handle that. Some might tell you to change, but often those traits are the very things that set you apart for the better. You get to decide—let it shake your confidence, or let it build your fire. My advice? Let it burn bright. Be you.

Q: Finding balance between career ambitions and personal life can be tricky. What strategies do you use to juggle it all (or at least try to)?

A: This is definitely an area I’m still working on. For a long time, my career was my outlet—something I could pour myself into, feel proud of, and know I had full ownership of. It gave me a sense of accomplishment and control, especially on tough days. Work has always been a place where I could thrive, contribute, and feel grounded. That said, I’ve learned (and am still learning) how important it is to be intentional about time with my kids. They’re only little for so long, and I don’t want to look back and realize I missed it. I also try to be mindful of other relationships and my own well-being, although I’d be lying if I said I always get it right. The juggling act is real, and there are definitely days I drop the ball. If there’s any advice I’d give—advice I’m still trying to follow myself—it’s to put yourself and your family first. The work will always be there when you return, and at the end of the day, we’re all replaceable in our jobs. But to your kids, your partner, and yourself? You’re not. Keep those priorities at the top of your list, even when it feels hard to do.

The Future is Female: Looking ahead, what excites you most about being a woman in the 21st century?

A: What excites me most is the endless possibility—especially the tools, technology, and systems that are making it easier to balance all the roles women take on. From streamlining work to supporting families, there are more resources than ever to help women build lives that reflect both ambition and connection. I also hope that as we continue to push forward, we don’t lose sight of the value of family and relationships. There’s so much strength in building a life with people you love by your side. I think about my own daughters, and the possibility of them becoming mothers one day—it fills me with hope to imagine supporting them through the ups and downs of life. More than anything, I’m optimistic that with these advancements, women will be able to center their lives more around time, experience, and purpose. That feels like real progress.

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Beyond Gender Roles: Defining Femininity, Balance, and Womanhood in Today’s World

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