India, a land steeped in centuries-old traditions, has long been a place where women were expected to quietly submit to the demands of a patriarchal society. But things are changing. The rise of feminism today is shaking the very foundations of these old beliefs. Women are breaking free from their prescribed roles, reclaiming their voices, and unapologetically stepping into their power. This empowerment, however, has triggered discomfort and even fear in some men. But why? Why is it that when women rise, some men feel so threatened?

The Question that Hits Hard: "Why Are You So Afraid of Me?"
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, in her famous TED talk "We Should All Be Feminists," posed a powerful question: "Why are you so afraid of me?" This question isn’t just a rhetorical one. It’s a deep and unsettling inquiry into the psyche of those who fear empowered women.

Adichie’s words force us to confront a painful truth: for some men, the rise of feminism feels like a personal attack on their masculinity and societal status. In a world that has long conditioned them to believe in their superiority, women who challenge that power dynamic can be seen as a threat to everything they've been taught to believe about their role in society.

Patriarchy: A System Built on Control

misogynist are afraid of strong women

The root of this fear lies in the patriarchal mindset that has governed our culture for centuries. Patriarchy is not just a set of behaviors—it is a system designed to ensure that men hold the dominant power in all aspects of life: the family, the workplace, politics, and beyond.

From an early age, men are taught to uphold these values. The notion that they are the “head of the household,” the breadwinner, the protector—these roles have been cemented in their minds as part of their identity. To challenge these roles isn’t just about equal rights—it’s about questioning a core part of their existence.

In the 2020 Bollywood film Thappad, we see this dynamic beautifully (and painfully) portrayed. When the protagonist, played by Taapsee Pannu, decides to leave her husband after he slaps her, the response from her family is revealing: “Just a slap, par nahi mar sakta.” This line encapsulates the normalized violence in relationships, where small acts of abuse are often dismissed as unimportant. It’s this mindset—this acceptance of control and domination—that feminism is actively dismantling.

The Fear of Losing Control
For some men, women gaining power feels like they’re losing theirs. The rise of feminism means sharing spaces and opportunities that were once exclusively male domains. This is not just about career opportunities but about emotional freedom, about the ability to express vulnerability and to step away from rigid gender roles.

Priyanka Chopra, in her candid interviews and speeches, has spoken about her journey as an empowered woman. In a world where women are often told to shrink, Chopra has embraced her power with grace and determination. She has boldly declared, “We cannot be afraid to take up space. We cannot be afraid to ask for more. Because we deserve it.” These words are not just empowering for women; they are a challenge to the entrenched patriarchal norms that limit both women and men.

When women refuse to be silent, when they demand equal pay, equal opportunity, and equal respect, it challenges the status quo. It forces some men to confront their own insecurities—because in their world, women were never meant to challenge or lead. They were meant to support, to follow, to stay in the background.

Breaking the 'Good Woman' Mold
One of the most uncomfortable things about feminism for some men is the breaking of the "good woman" mold. The "good woman" is someone who quietly accepts her place, who submits to the will of men, and who sacrifices her own desires for the sake of family and tradition. The woman who challenges this is seen as rebellious, selfish, or even dangerous.

But as we see more women in India and around the world stand up for their rights—whether by choosing their careers over marriage, speaking out against abuse, or refusing to tolerate being disrespected—the idea of the "good woman" is evolving.

This shift is uncomfortable for many, because it questions the very structures that have kept men in power. It challenges the notion that men must always be in control and women must always be passive. And that, for some, is a terrifying proposition.

“Feminism Isn't About Men, It's About Equality”
Feminism is not a battle between men and women—it’s a fight for justice and equality. As Emma Watson eloquently put it, “Feminism isn’t about making women stronger. Women are already strong. It’s about changing the way the world perceives that strength.” It’s about creating a world where women can stand tall without being judged or threatened. A world where both men and women can share the space, the work, and the opportunities equally.

Yet, this is where the misunderstanding often lies. Feminism doesn’t diminish men’s power; it simply shares it. It doesn’t take away from their roles—it adds depth and flexibility to both women’s and men’s lives. Men are not being asked to give up their rights; they are being asked to allow women to have theirs. It’s about balance, not loss.

Men and Feminism: It’s Time for a ChangeMen too benefit from feminism. It’s time to let go of the toxic masculinity that keeps them bound by rigid expectations. Men, like women, need the freedom to express their emotions, to be vulnerable, to pursue their passions without fear of judgment. Feminism isn’t just about liberating women—it’s about liberating everyone from the constraints of outdated gender norms.

The rise of feminism forces men to examine their own roles in society and in relationships. As they witness women assert their rights, claim their space, and demand equality, they are forced to ask themselves: What kind of man am I? Am I the kind of man who is afraid of empowered women, or am I the kind of man who celebrates them?

"The Feminist Revolution Will Not Be Televised; It Will Be Lived"
The feminist surge is not a threat. It is a revolution—a revolution for equality, for justice, and for mutual respect. It’s a revolution where both men and women can stand tall together. As the world wakes up to the power of feminism, those who fear change will need to reconsider their beliefs. The question isn’t why women are so afraid of stepping up—it’s why are some men so afraid of them doing so?

In the words of the late bell hooks, “Feminism is for everybody.” And as more women embrace their power, the world will become a place where gender equality isn’t a dream, but a lived reality. And no one—man or woman—will be afraid of it.