In an era where conversations about gender equality are finally gaining long-overdue momentum, there’s an undercurrent of anxiety that sometimes surfaces, particularly among men: Does empowering women come at the expense of men? It’s a question loaded with social conditioning, fear, and misunderstanding but also an opportunity for deeper reflection.

The short answer? Empowering women does not disempower men, unless men perceive power as a zero-sum game.

The ripple effect of empowered women

Let’s start with the tangible benefits. Empowering women whether in the workforce, families, communities, or leadership isn’t about subtraction. It’s about expansion.

In the workforce, studies consistently show that gender-diverse teams perform better. McKinsey’s Diversity Wins report highlights how companies with more women in leadership roles outperform less diverse peers in profitability and innovation. Empowered women bring fresh perspectives, emotional intelligence, and collaborative problem-solving   qualities that lift entire teams, not just individuals.

In families, empowered women cultivate healthier dynamics. Research by psychoanalyst, Nancy Chodorow points to how women’s autonomy and self-actualisation foster secure, emotionally intelligent children. When a mother feels empowered confident, respected, and supported, the entire family benefits from her stability and authenticity.

In communities, empowered women are often the driving force behind social change. From grassroots activism to leading corporate social responsibility initiatives, women consistently champion education, healthcare, and social justice. Building stronger, more resilient communities for everyone.

Why do some men feel disempowered?

Despite these collective benefits, some men feel threatened by women’s empowerment. But the root of that discomfort isn’t female success, it’s outdated mental constructs around masculinity and power.

Many men have been socialised to equate their worth with dominance, control, or financial superiority. When women begin to claim their space, earn more, lead confidently, challenge norms, it can destabilise these fragile constructs.

Andrew Tate, a figure who epitomises this insecurity disguised as bravado, has built an online following by stoking fears among men, that empowered women diminish male value. His rhetoric frames relationships as transactional power plays, rather than opportunities for mutual growth. It’s seductive for men grappling with self-worth issues but ultimately, it perpetuates division and dissatisfaction.

Breaking down the mental constructs

The belief that female empowerment equals male disempowerment stems from three faulty assumptions:

1. Power is limited
   This is the scarcity mindset at play. True power, the ability to influence, create, and contribute is not finite. When women rise, they bring fresh energy and capacity that elevates families, businesses, and society.
2. Men’s value depends on dominance
   Healthy masculinity is not about overshadowing others. As psychoanalyst Carl Jung emphasised, true individuation, the process of becoming whole requires embracing both strength and vulnerability. Men who measure their worth by outdated dominance models rob themselves of growth.
3. Strong women undermine relationships
   In reality, being around empowered women can be profoundly enriching. Psychologists like Esther Perel note that relationships thrive when both partners are autonomous yet connected. Empowered women challenge their partners to grow, communicate better, and cultivate mutual respect.

The value of being around empowered women

Rather than feeling threatened, men can view empowered women as catalysts for their own evolution. Here’s why:

• Emotional Maturity
  Empowered women value emotional honesty. They encourage partners to express vulnerability, a core component of psychological well-being, according to Dr. Brené Brown’s research.
• Authentic Partnerships
  Relationships with empowered women are rooted in equality, not dependence. This fosters deeper intimacy, collaboration, and shared purpose.
• Exposure to Growth Mindsets
  As highlighted in my previous blogs, empowered women cultivate continuous self-development. Being around them naturally expands one’s own aspirations and confidence.

The societal dynamics feeding the backlash

Of course, we can’t ignore the societal dynamics that fuel resistance to empowered women. Media figures like Andrew Tate thrive in echo chambers that prey on male insecurities. The rise of “manosphere” communities online is often a response to genuine male struggles; loneliness, career pressures, shifting gender roles but channelled through toxic narratives.

Yet, the solution isn’t to retreat into outdated power structures, it’s to co-create new, balanced paradigms.

As women work to reclaim their autonomy, men can redefine success, leadership, and identity in ways that are healthier and more sustainable. It’s not women versus men. It’s old conditioning versus conscious evolution.

The psychology of empowered women and why it benefits everyone

Psychologists and psychoanalysts have long recognised the characteristics of empowered women as inherently beneficial to society:

• Self-Esteem and Emotional Regulation
  Empowered women, as my own life coaching insights reveal, exhibit high self-awareness and emotional mastery. They operate from a place of authenticity, not approval-seeking.
• Boundary Setting and Values Alignment
  As discussed in my empowerment strategies, empowered women clearly define their values and boundaries. This models healthy interpersonal dynamics for all genders.
• Community Building
  Empowered women often create inclusive spaces for growth   from families to organisations to broader communities. Their empowerment radiates outward, fostering collective progress.

Closing thoughts: Empowerment isn’t a competition

The empowerment of women does not come at men’s expense unless men cling to outdated models of power that no longer serve them.

Imagine a society where women step into their power, and men, instead of retreating into fear or hostility, rise alongside them. A society where relationships are partnerships, workplaces are collaborative, and leadership reflects the full spectrum of human potential.

Empowerment, in its truest form, uplifts everyone.

Feeling ready to explore how empowerment for yourself, your relationships, or your community can create lasting change? Let’s have a conversation. Book a Free Call today and discover how life coaching can help you navigate this powerful journey.

Hi! I’m Roksana. I’m a life coach for women in St Albans, Hertfordshire. I run face to face and online sessions via Zoom. I also specialise in trauma healing. I’m always happy to answer your questions around any of my methods or approaches. Long term changes begin with a guide who has walked a similar path, has a blueprint, will give you support and accountability every step of the way. If you’re interested to know more then please book a FREE call with me.