November Election Exposes Conservative Men’s Fear of Powerful Women

By Bear Howard

Bear Howard Chronicles

Sedona, AZ –Women in America have made significant progress toward economic and social equality, but that progress isn’t guaranteed to last. Lately, political shifts have signaled that some of these hard-fought wins could be at risk. Since numerous voters backed candidates with misogynistic views, we could see a major step backward, making the fight for gender equality even tougher.

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This conservative, back-to-the-future political environment could undermine women’s rights and make it harder to close the gender pay gap or expand opportunities for women in the workforce. Pay transparency and equal pay laws could get sidelined as “too much red tape.” Women working in male-dominated industries like tech or finance might face even tougher challenges, while industries with more women could see less support or funding. On top of that, policies like paid family leave or affordable childcare

The gains women have made in leadership could also slow down or even reverse if outdated ideas about gender roles make a comeback. If the government isn’t prioritizing programs to promote mentorship and diversity, it becomes harder for women to break into top roles. Plus, with misogynistic rhetoric on the rise, the idea of running for office—or any high-profile leadership position—might feel even more daunting for women, especially with the increased risk of harassment.

Reproductive rights are one of the most vulnerable areas. Access to abortion, contraception, and other crucial healthcare services could face more restrictions under leaders who oppose gender equity. On top of that, protections against gender-based violence, harassment, and workplace discrimination might be weakened, leaving women more exposed and with fewer options to fight back.

A big part of this backlash comes from fear. Many men—especially those who voted for conservative candidates in the last election—feel threatened by the idea of women gaining more power. For some, there’s a nostalgic pull toward a society where white men held the lion’s share of control—at home, in the workplace, in the military, and even in schools. They see this traditional power structure as being under attack, and the rise of women in leadership or in traditionally male-dominated spaces can feel like a direct challenge to their authority. This fear of losing dominance fuels support for policies and candidates who promise to “restore” the old order, further entrenching gender inequality.

The cultural impact of these political changes could be huge, bringing back regressive gender norms and undermining decades of progress. Misogyny in politics might inspire a broader push against feminist initiatives, promoting a return to traditional ideas that limit women’s roles to home and family. This shift could be especially harmful to women already dealing with challenges related to race, class, or sexual orientation.

The women who are already most marginalized—immigrants, LGBTQ+ women, and women of color—stand to lose the most. Policies that promote equity and inclusion could be dismantled, leaving these groups with even fewer opportunities to move forward.

The good news is that women’s movements have always been about resilience and resistance. Grassroots organizing, advocacy, and building alliances across diverse groups are all tools to fight back. Holding leaders accountable, pushing for equitable representation, and challenging harmful cultural narratives are more important than ever.

Women’s progress is at risk, but it’s not a done deal. The fight isn’t over, and collective action can still make a difference. The stakes are high, but so is the power of people coming together to protect and advance gender equality.