What Is a Woman?

Women are the backbone of the society, bringing forth their best efforts in the fields of art, science, medicine, politics, business, education and many other professions. They are equally talented in every field, and have proven their mettle as leaders and managers.

Women have come a long way in the last seven generations. The changes that have taken place in family life, religion, government and employment are nothing short of spectacular. The progress made by women in the corporate world is also awe inspiring.

Despite all the advancements, the fight is not yet over. Several women face societal barriers that can limit their potential and rob them of their dignity. Women are still paid less than men and suffer from discrimination. In the not-so-distant past, American women did not even have the right to vote or work, and many had to stay at home to care for children and the elderly.

A recent discussion on a radio show featuring Matt Walsh, host of the Daily Wire podcast The Alphabet, raised the question: “What is a woman?” Walsh’s take: “A biological woman has XX chromosomes.” In other words, an adult female human being. This definition is accepted by most people. It’s not the kind of definition that invites handwringing analysis and debate about what it means to be a woman, as it is for most rambles about the meaning of “ewe” in relation to the “what is a ram” question.

But what is a woman, as far as social and cultural identity goes? Merriam-Webster defines a woman as “an adult human female,” and this definition is echoed in most English dictionaries. But the word has been defined in myriad ways throughout history: positive and heroic (virago, zamazim, Amazon) to negative and derogatory (strumpet, wench, minx).

In addition to being biologically a woman, we are socially and culturally a daughter, sister, mother, wife, worker and a role model. This combination of roles, while challenging, is a part of the definition of being a woman. Some of us embrace it and savor the experience, while others reject it or find that the labels do not align with their sense of self and choose to live in a different gender or undergo hormonal or surgical interventions that change their bodies’ innate sex.

I would love to be able to give Walsh a satisfactory answer to this question. But defining what it is to be a woman is an endlessly fascinating exercise that draws on the ideas of sexologists, professors, philosophers, activists, counselors and physicians. It is an endeavor that is inherently intergenerational and reflects the fact that there are as many different ideas of what it is to be a woman as there are women themselves. The best we can do is honor those diverse views and celebrate the diversity of what it means to be a woman. I hope you’ll join me in this effort. The future of the planet depends on it.