March Essay Competition

March 9 — March 22, 2026,

Prompt

The average man, regardless of creed, family background, religion, personal convictions, or social, economic, or marital status, will always feel threatened or intimidated by a successful, strong, independent woman.

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Essay

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Strength is not a threat: The patriarchal response to Independent women.

By Hajara Muhammed-Sadiq

March 15, 2026 · 721 words · 4 min read

History has portrayed behavourial expectations of gender roles between men and women as a controversial conversation. Men have been associated with leadership, fortitude, financial responsibility, critical thinking and hard labour, while women have been guised as supportive figures within a domestic setting. In recent years, women have taken a different stance on these societal expectations and choose to pursue education, career and leadership positions aside from playing supportive roles behind the scenes. Due to these recent changes, an idea has emerged claiming the average man feels threatened by this new take on women independence. While it is a fact that some men feel intimidated by gender role swapping, the idea that all men react in this way is an over exaggeration. Realistically, intimidating and threatening feelings swarmed in the patriarchal society weighs heavily on social conditioning, religious and cultural beliefs, personal insecurity rather than masculinity itself.To understand why these men have a strong negative opinion around successful women, one must consider the historical context which is responsible for birthing gender roles. For centuries, male dominance nurtured the patriarchal systems by placing men almost as a “central dogma” behind political, economic and societal power. Hence, man’s identity was tied to his ability to provide, protect, lead and maintain serenity within his household and in the society. The entry of women into the workforce during the twentieth century and advocating for equal rights through feminism and movements such as the women’s suffrage initiated the shift in gender roles. This raised the belief that a man’s worth is heavily influenced by his ability to exert dominance. Hence, interpreting that female independence has become a threat to their status and self-perceived worth. It is important to know that while some men find the independence of women uneasy, this reaction varies among them. Insecurity and emotional stability have shaped how each man reacts to a woman’s achievements. When a man feels secure emotionally and can confidently portray his value without diminishing others, he is more likely to feel less threatened by a woman’s success. Hence, this raises a vital question: When qualities such as ambition, persistence, leadership and intelligence balanced with a go-getting mindset are celebrated in men, why isn’t the same gesture handed to women? Several modern couples support the dynamic of women pursuing success. This negates the preconceived, real world idea that successful women are feared universally by men. This leadership quality can be seen with the likes of Michelle Obama who is publicly supported by her spouse, as well as several men and women across the world. She is praised for uplifting women and creating opportunities that support gender equality over competition. The leadership of Angela Merkel is also called into question for leading Germany through several economic and political challenges for over a decade. She was encouraged by men who aided her widespread success, gaining her respect from her political colleagues. The cultural context on how strong women are perceived also plays a daring role in this topic. Some Nigerian cultures and tribes encourage rigid expectations when it comes to gender roles. Several exist under the belief that women are the lesser beings, the submissive gender who should operate under the notion of a supportive role. In these societies, women who pursue success, face greater challenges and resistance in order to achieve their goals. Due to this difference in societal norms, the issue begs to differ that the pushback on women independences lies not only in men themselves, but in societal beliefs of gender equality and power. Ultimately, it is best to believe that the evolution of society has partly led to the eradication of the complex societal reality of men fearing women’s success to an overly simplistic assumption. Religious and traditional beliefs alongside personal insecurities in some men makes them uncomfortable with the changing gender roles. The idea that being male creates an inferiority complex against women is far fetched and flawed. The evolution of society will increase the acceptance of women independence and abolish the stigma of it being seen as a threat. Many will disagree with this logic, question it, try to find flaws and inexplicable reasons to support why it is wrong. Although, the question begs to differ, is a woman’s success truly threatening or are the conditions, restrictions and preconceived expectations surrounding it challenged by her authority?