Can You Be a Feminist and Religious?

In today’s world, more women than ever are claiming their space as professionals, creators, leaders, and changemakers. But even as feminism rises, one question keeps surfacing:

Can a woman be both feminist and religious?

The short answer? Not without a fight.

Because religion, in most forms, has not empowered women; it has historically restricted them. Women have had to push back hard against religious institutions, teachings, and expectations to win even basic rights. Which raises a deeper truth:

Feminism and women’s rights have manifested despite religion, not because of it.

🔥 Why It Feels Like an Impossible Mix

Many feminists today feel that the most effective way to fight for gender equality is outside of religion-some even say you must be an atheist to be fully free. And it’s easy to see why:

• Most major religions limit women’s leadership.
• Sacred texts have been interpreted for centuries through a male-dominated lens.
• Traditions often justify inequality as divine will.

So when feminists still observe religious practices that reinforce inequality: fasting for a husband’s long life during Karva Chauth, or avoiding temples during menstruation, it highlights the deep contradictions many live with.

Priyanka Chopra, a vocal feminist icon, seen here celebrating the sexist rituals of Karva Chauth.

Preaching equality and not questioning, "Ayushman Bhava," (a wish that hopes for a man's long life) and "Theerka Sumanggali Bhava," (a wish that hopes for a woman's husband's long life) seems like a scam. 

🩸Believing in Progress But Following Patriarchy

My mum believes in women’s education and financial independence—but she also believes that menstruation makes a woman “impure.” So on my period, I’m still expected not to enter the kitchen, temple, or participate in family rituals.

This isn’t an individual belief but a social system that tells women, even in their most natural state, they are dirty.

That’s not empowerment. That’s control wrapped in tradition.

And this isn’t unique to one religion. Menstrual taboos exist across cultures, often passed down by women themselves. That’s how patriarchy works-it becomes part of everyday life, even through those who believe they’re progressive.

🙅‍♀️ Rights Came Despite Religion, Not Because of It

Let’s not rewrite history. Women didn’t gain the right to vote, work, or study because religious institutions suddenly saw the light. They got those rights because they fought, resisted, challenged, and refused to stay silent.

Religion has more often been the obstacle to equality, not the ally.

Even in spiritual traditions that worship women symbolically—like Hinduism’s goddesses—the treatment of real women tells another story.

🕉️ Hindu Goddesses vs. Real Women

Yes, Hinduism reveres fierce, independent, powerful goddesses—Durga, Kali, Saraswati, Lakshmi. But how are actual women treated?

• They're told not to touch idols while menstruating.
• They’re asked to fast and pray for husbands’ health, but not the other way around.
• They're taught that “good” women are self-sacrificing, quiet, and pure.
• They're r@ped, ab*sed, and blamed for both.

Worshipping power in myth while suppressing it in reality is not liberation; it’s contradiction.

This is why symbolism is not enough. You can’t worship Durga on one hand and shame your daughter for bleeding on the other.

💡 So, Can Religion Empower Women?

Only when women force it to. And they are.

• Feminist scholars are reinterpreting scriptures.
• Women in faith communities are demanding equal leadership.
• Many are staying within religion, not because it empowers them—but to change it from the inside out.

That’s courageous. But it’s also exhausting. Because the system wasn’t built for them—it was built to contain them.

✨ Final Word

Here’s the truth many are afraid to say out loud:

Religion has rarely empowered women.

It has empowered patriarchy—and women have had to tear their way through it to find freedom.

Yes, some women stay in religion and make space for feminism. Others leave it behind completely.

Both are valid feminist choices.

But let’s be clear:

The rise of women is not a gift of religion—it is the result of resistance.

And that resistance must continue, especially in the quiet corners of culture that still whisper: You’re less, you’re impure, you must obey.