How the Patriarchy Has Let Women Down: A Call for Change
For centuries, women have been marginalized, oppressed, and forced to fit into boxes defined by a patriarchal society. The patriarchal system, which privileges men and often minimizes or ignores women’s experiences, has profoundly shaped our culture, economics, politics, and personal lives. But the time has come for us to recognize the impact of this system on women—and how it has, time and time again, let us down.
1. The Illusion of Equal Opportunity
One of the most insidious ways the patriarchy has let women down is by presenting an illusion of equality. On the surface, we’ve made strides: women can vote, work, and attend school. But when we look deeper, the gap becomes clear. Women, especially women of color, still face systemic barriers to achieving equal opportunities. Gender wage gaps persist, with women earning on average 80 cents for every dollar a man makes in the United States. Furthermore, women are underrepresented in leadership positions, both in the corporate world and in politics. The patriarchy gives women just enough access to make it look like equality has been achieved, while still maintaining structures that favor men.
2. The Unrealistic Standards of Beauty and Behavior
From an early age, girls are conditioned to meet unattainable standards of beauty, behavior, and success. The patriarchy has long dictated how women should look, act, and think, policing their bodies and minds. This conditioning leads to widespread body image issues, eating disorders, and mental health struggles. Women are often taught to prioritize others’ needs over their own, and are rewarded for being selfless and accommodating. These societal pressures can make it difficult for women to assert their own needs, desires, and ambitions, causing them to feel inadequate when they fail to meet the ever-moving ideal of womanhood.
3. The Erasure of Women's Voices and Experiences
Throughout history, the patriarchy has systematically erased women's voices. Women's contributions to science, art, literature, and politics have often been overlooked, overshadowed by the achievements of men. From forgotten female authors to women pioneers in the field of medicine whose work was co-opted by male colleagues, women’s histories are often marginalized or erased altogether. This silence not only discredits their work but also perpetuates the myth that women have nothing significant to offer.
Moreover, women’s lived experiences—whether it’s dealing with harassment, balancing work and family, or facing gender-based violence—are often dismissed or minimized. The dominance of male perspectives in media, academia, and government ensures that women’s issues remain on the backburner.
4. Gender-Based Violence: The Unspoken Crisis
Perhaps one of the most shocking and harmful ways the patriarchy has let women down is through the normalization of gender-based violence. Women across the globe are subjected to violence and abuse in their homes, workplaces, and communities. Yet, in many societies, these abuses are dismissed, excused, or hidden. Victims often face blame or are told to “move on,” rather than receiving the support and justice they deserve.
The patriarchy perpetuates a culture where women's bodies are seen as objects, and where men’s behavior is excused or downplayed. The legal systems in many countries fail to protect women adequately, allowing rapists, abusers, and harassers to continue without facing true consequences. The silence around these issues is a testament to how the patriarchal system upholds a culture of violence against women, ignoring their trauma in the name of tradition and power.
5. The Restriction of Women's Autonomy
Perhaps the most personal way the patriarchy has let women down is in the realm of autonomy. Throughout history, women’s bodies and decisions have been controlled by laws, religious beliefs, and social expectations. From the denial of reproductive rights to the societal pressures on women to marry and have children, the patriarchy has stripped women of the freedom to make their own choices.
Even today, women are still fighting for the right to make decisions about their own bodies—whether it’s about reproductive health, gender identity, or sexual autonomy. The fight for reproductive rights, for example, has faced ongoing setbacks, as lawmakers and conservative institutions try to limit access to healthcare and restrict women’s ability to control their futures.
6. The Financial Dependence on Men
Historically, women have been economically dependent on men, a result of patriarchy’s push for women to remain in the home while men provided for the family. While times have changed, this legacy continues to impact women, particularly in older generations. Women still face significant barriers in accumulating wealth due to lower wages, fewer opportunities for advancement, and gendered expectations surrounding domestic responsibilities. The rise of the “she-cession” during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted how many women’s careers are undervalued or deemed less essential.
This financial dependence has long-lasting effects, trapping women in situations where they cannot leave unhealthy relationships or pursue their passions without economic stability. The patriarchy continues to ensure that women’s economic independence remains a distant dream for many.
7. A Call for Change
The patriarchy has let women down in countless ways—by limiting opportunities, silencing voices, perpetuating violence, and stripping away autonomy. But as we move forward, we must recognize that this system is not a natural or inevitable part of life. Change is possible.
The way to undo the damage caused by patriarchy lies in collective action, education, and radical empathy. We must amplify the voices of women, support policies that advance gender equality, and advocate for social change that recognizes the value of every individual—regardless of gender. Feminism, in its many forms, is a crucial part of this movement, working to dismantle the power structures that have kept women down for too long.
We are entering a new era where women are no longer willing to remain silent or complicit. Together, we can build a world where women are free to be themselves without fear, without limitations, and without the constraints of a patriarchal society. It's time for a revolution of equality, one that lets women thrive, lead, and shine.