Our society largely fancies a patriarchal view of how a person should behave, whether male or female. In essence, femininity or masculinity is described by this patriarchal view, and hence, is not biological in nature, the representations and manifestations of which differs across cultures, time and societies. Despite the actual fact that these days media progressively associates femininity with independent and powerful ladies, qualities informed by sexuality still play a dominant role in the shaping of femininity. These qualities are mainly imbibed culturally and socially by the family, education, and the public.
For example: in a work-space, Women are placed in a uniquely challenging position—they are called upon to be assertive, confident, and dominant, without being seen as bossy or snobby. Furthermore, women are more likely than men to be judged or singled out for not having excellent social skills or being emotionally available for others—traits that are expected of women.
A woman who shows “masculine traits” like dominance or assertiveness is considered a negative enhancement because of this continued patriarchal view of the society, which wants to give all the control to the male population while keeping the females in the backdrop.
In this new changing world, society should transform its outlook as well, abandoning this stereotyping of male and female characteristics and expectations, and giving way to true freedom. After all, freedom to choose what or who, one wants to be is a birthright of all individuals regardless of their gender, caste or ethnicity.
True women empowerment will come only with the collective change in the viewpoint of the society, not just by campaigning about it.