EMBRACING THE DUALITY: FEMININITY AND POWER IN WOMEN'S SPORTS
For too long, society has imposed false choices on women. The notion that one must choose between being strong and being feminine, between being powerful and being soft, is a construct designed to limit and control. It is a narrative that has sought to confine women to narrowly defined roles, denying them the fullness of their humanity. But Skylar Diggins-Smith, like many women, knows that real power lies in rejecting these limitations.
"YOU CAN BE A FEMININE WOMAN AND A BEAST ON THE COURT. YOU DON'T HAVE TO CHOOSE." — Skylar Diggins-Smith
These words challenge the binary thinking that has long defined our understanding of gender and strength. To be feminine is not to be weak. To be powerful is not to be unfeminine. The two can coexist, complementing and enhancing one another. This is the truth that Diggins-Smith embodies every time she steps onto the court, bringing both grace and fierceness to her game.
Consider Skylar’s journey. Her ability to navigate the demands of professional sports while maintaining her authenticity as a woman—one who embraces her femininity without compromising her power—illustrates a broader cultural shift. Women in sports and beyond are proving that strength and femininity are not opposing forces but vital aspects of a whole person.
In a culture that often equates femininity with fragility, the idea of a woman who is both nurturing and formidable is revolutionary. It defies the expectations placed upon women, expectations that dictate how they should look, act, and express themselves. Women in sports, like Diggins-Smith, are constantly pushing back against these stereotypes, showing that strength and femininity are not mutually exclusive but are instead two sides of the same coin.
The struggle for women to be seen as whole beings—capable of embodying both strength and softness—is a struggle against the dehumanizing forces of patriarchy. This system seeks to define and control women, to tell them who they can be and what they can achieve. Every time a woman like Skylar Diggins-Smith refuses to choose between her femininity and her power, she reclaims her agency and asserts her right to define herself on her terms.
This reclaiming of identity is not just about sports; it’s about life. It’s about challenging the boxes that society tries to place us in, about saying no to the limitations imposed upon us by outdated norms and expectations. It’s about embracing the fullness of who we are—strong, capable, nurturing, fierce, and yes, feminine.
Skylar’s statement is a powerful reminder that women do not have to conform to a single narrative. They do not have to sacrifice one aspect of themselves to fit into a narrow definition of success or acceptability. They can be everything they are—athletes, mothers, leaders, and more—without apology.
To all women: embrace your complexity, refuse to be defined by others, and celebrate the multifaceted nature of your identity. Recognize that strength comes in many forms and that true empowerment comes from honoring all parts of yourself.
The world needs more examples like Skylar Diggins-Smith, women who show that being strong does not mean giving up what makes you feel beautiful, and being feminine does not mean being anything less than powerful. These are the women who will redefine what it means to be a woman, not by choosing one side or the other, but by embracing the fullness of their being.
"YOU CAN BE A FEMININE WOMAN AND A BEAST ON THE COURT. YOU DON'T HAVE TO CHOOSE." — Skylar Diggins-Smith