"if you're saying women covering up is oppression, then you're saying a women's only power is her looks, her sexuality." İsn't that the real misogyny?

I saw this comment on YouTube from a woman that really got me thinking: “If you’re saying women covering up is oppression, then you’re saying a woman’s only power is her looks, her sexuality.” She went on to say that this is the real misogyny, and I totally agree. It’s made me question what we women are truly fighting for or advocating for, especially when we’re doing the same thing we call out men for—trying to dictate how other women should dress or feel. Her point hits hard because it exposes a double standard. We often criticize men for telling women how to dress, whether it’s pushing us to cover up or to show more skin. It’s frustrating when they act like our worth is tied to our appearance. But then, some women turn around and do the same thing, saying that women who dress modestly—like wearing a hijab or simpler clothes—are somehow trapped behind a veil, oppressed and needing to be “freed.” It’s like they’re implying a woman’s power only comes from showing off her body or embracing her sexuality. That feels just as limiting as what men do, boxing us into one idea of what strength looks like. To me, the real fight is about choice. Some women feel powerful covering up because it reflects their beliefs, culture, or personal style. Others feel strong dressing in ways that highlight their body or express their vibe. Both are valid, but it’s messed up when women judge other women for choosing differently. It’s not just men putting pressure on us—sometimes we’re the ones acting like modest women are stuck or need saving. That’s where the misogyny creeps in: assuming there’s only one “right” way to be a free, empowered woman. So, what are we really advocating for? I think it’s about giving every woman the freedom to decide what makes her feel strong—whether it’s her clothes, her mind, her faith, or anything else. That YouTube comment made me see how easy it is for us to fall into the same trap we criticize men for, judging each other instead of lifting each other up. Real empowerment means letting women define their own strength, not telling them they’re doing it wrong just because their choices don’t match ours.

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