Women of Faith Challenge Patriarchy Amid Political Backlash

Fri Nov 21 2025 05:16:43 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

As the U.S. faces a backlash against gender equality, women from conservative Christian backgrounds are stepping up in the political arena, engaging in social justice activism, and redefining their roles in faith communities.

Despite setbacks for the feminist movement and gender equality under President Trump, women from conservative Christian backgrounds are actively influencing social and political discussions. This includes outspoken voices from evangelical communities, such as the Southern Baptist Convention, and progressive Catholic nuns advocating for social justice. As society grapples with gender roles within religious institutions, many faith-driven women are asserting their place, challenging patriarchal doctrines, and mobilizing for change.

The U.S. feminist movement’s quest for gender equality has faced considerable obstacles during President Trump's administration, notably with the dissolution of various nondiscrimination programs. Surprisingly, many conservative Christian women are not only engaging in political discourse but actively challenging the patriarchy from within their faith traditions.

In a spirited display of activism, over 6,500 conservative Christian women gathered at a conference in Dallas, organized by commentator Allie Beth Stuckey. Many attendees voiced their dissatisfaction with being sidelined in political and cultural debates, consciously rejecting narratives associated with feminism in favor of their faith. Stuckey encapsulated this sentiment, stating, We’re not backing down; we’re doubling down, thus marking a significant moment in the dialogue around gender roles in conservative Christianity.

A Different Kind of Activism Among Catholic Women

In contrast to the conservative evangelical framework, some Catholic women actively engage in social justice issues. For instance, the Sisters of Charity of New York publicly called out Cardinal Timothy Dolan for praising Charlie Kirk, whose rhetoric they described as harmful. They reaffirmed their commitment to advocating for marginalized communities, showcasing how some women religious are at the forefront of social activism.

Navigating Traditional Roles in Evangelical Communities

Within the Southern Baptist Convention, women are also finding their voice despite doctrinal restrictions against female pastors. Many women embrace roles that align with traditional beliefs about gender, yet they still seek to express their ministry effectively. Elder women's voices, like that of Susie Hawkins, highlight a nuanced perspective where women can thrive within established boundaries while advocating for their contributions to church life.

Calls for Change in Catholicism

While traditional boundaries exist for women in both Catholicism and Protestantism, movements advocating for women's ordination persist in Catholic circles. Organizations like the Women's Ordination Conference continue their push for gender equality within the Church, emphasizing the importance of women's roles in various church missions beyond the priesthood.

This multifaceted women's engagement across different faiths demonstrates a growing movement of women harnessing their faith to instigate social change. As communities face increasing pushback against gender equality, the resilience and visibility of these women signal a shifting landscape within religious institutions.