She Strengthens

The Illusion of Empowerment

You’re a force to be reckoned with, a master of multitasking, and a connoisseur of all things glamorous. Your arsenal includes razor-sharp eyeliner, stilettos that make a statement, and a lip gloss collection that’s the envy of all. You’re a #girlboss, a capitalist, consumerist, feminist – or so you’ve been led to believe.

The Facade of Feminism

Behind the veil of empowerment lies a cleverly crafted marketing strategy. Advertisers have co-opted the language of resistance, individuality, and feminism to sell you products that promise confidence and power. They’ve taken the essence of women’s studies and repackaged it into a glamorous, Instagram-friendly movement that’s exhausting to keep up with.

The Rise of “Feminist” Consumerism

It wasn’t always this way. Advertisements were once the enemy of feminism, perpetuating unrealistic beauty standards and driving self-doubt. But then, feminism became cool, and brands took notice. With women driving 70-80% of consumer spending and influencing 91% of household spending, companies knew they had to win us over.

The True Cost of Empowerment

The harsh reality is that these “feminist” products and experiences aren’t about empowering you; they’re about lining the pockets of powerful men. Even if you’re aware of the manipulation, the purchase still supports a system that doesn’t have your best interests at heart.

Detaching from the Illusion

The first step towards true empowerment is detachment. Recognize that you can’t buy your way to confidence and power. Stop kidding yourself that fashion, makeup, and lifestyle choices are inherently feminist just because you’ve made them. When you realize that these things won’t defeat the patriarchy, you’ll be more likely to curb your consumption and make wiser choices.

Breaking Free from the Cycle

It’s time to take a step back and reassess our priorities. Instead of attending ticketed wine events or buying yet another tube of lipstick, maybe it’s time to stay home, clean out your collection, and focus on what truly matters. When you see through the illusion of empowerment, you’ll become wiser, more discerning, and more powerful.