Firearms Ownership Is As Feminist As Feminism Gets

In today’s world, where the term “feminism” has been co-opted by many to push various political agendas, it’s time we reclaimed its true essence: equality and empowerment for women. And one of the most profound ways women can achieve these ideals is through the ownership of firearms. Yes, you read that right; firearms ownership is not just compatible with feminism — it’s a cornerstone of it.

Let’s start with the basics. The Second Amendment isn’t gender-specific; it’s meant for all people, which includes women. The very principle of the right to bear arms is rooted in the notion of personal liberty and defense, something that feminism champions. If feminism is about giving women control over their lives and bodies, then what better way to do that than to equip them with the means to protect themselves?

The statistics on domestic abuse are sobering. The anecdotes are horrifying. The extent and severity of it remain abstract in my mind because it’s not a thing that happens in my social and familial circles. But the stories I’ve read are downright scary. (For details on how bad it can get, read Shirley Watral’s great book, “Heels to Holster.”) 

But here’s a transformative shift: firearms can also be a tool for women to defend themselves. Anti-gunners have completely politicized the data on defensive gun use and forcibly suppressed truths inconvenient to their narrative, so it’s hard to get clarity on women’s use of firearms in self-defense, let alone domestic abuse. Despite the fog of lies created by anti-gunners, there are plenty of “anecdata” showing that armed women can and do deter or stop violence effectively. Click on the below link for more than a dozen such defensive incidents that happened in just a couple of weeks:

Can we take a minute to appreciate how many women have protected themselves and others with firearms in the last two or so weeks? It’s basically a highlight real of just how important the right to keep and bear arms is for us, too. Tip of the DGU iceberg, but important:

📜📜📜

— Amy Swearer (@AmySwearer) August 14, 2023

And it’s not just about self-defense. Firearms ownership for women is a statement of autonomy. Despite outliers, women physically tend to be the weaker sex. Traditionally, society is shaped in a way that women need protection. By owning a firearm, a woman declares, “I am my own protector.” This shifts the narrative from damsel in distress to a self-reliant individual.

Repeating what I’ve written before, when evil makes a move, to stop it as quickly as possible with as few casualties as possible. This isn’t just about men; it’s about every individual, including women, having the tools to defend their lives and those around them.

The empowerment doesn’t stop at physical safety. There’s a psychological aspect to it. Women who are trained in firearms use often report a newfound confidence. They’re not just learning how to handle a gun; they’re exercising one of the greatest types of responsibility and discipline that comes with it. This education is as feminist as it gets — women being in control, not just of their weapons but of their lives.

The narrative of firearms being a male domain is slowly but surely changing. A recent op-ed in The Hill (archived link) shows just that:

Women are leading a surge in gun ownership — here’s why 
by Beth Alcazar

According to Gallup, gun ownership has surged dramatically among women, particularly among Republican women, where ownership jumped from 19 percent in 2007-2012 to 33 percent in 2019-2024. This reflects a broader trend: Women are not just buying guns for recreational purposes, they are increasingly turning to firearms as a way to protect themselves in uncertain times. […]

But it’s also about freedom, choice and personal empowerment. Women are no longer relying solely on traditional means of protection or waiting for others to ensure their safety. Firearms ownership gives women the power to defend themselves in a way that aligns with their own sense of security. This shift is part of a larger cultural change, one that values personal responsibility, self-reliance and the right to protect oneself. Women are taking control of their own narratives and shaping the future of gun ownership in the process.

Despite anti-gunners’ claims that firearms increase violence, firearms, in the hands of responsible, law-abiding women, serve as a deterrent. The very presence of a gun can de-escalate situations that might otherwise turn violent. It’s about balance, not about arming everyone for conflict, and ensuring that women have the same opportunities for self-defense as men. 

Firearms ownership isn’t just a right; it’s a feminist act. The right to bear arms is a fundamental aspect of women’s liberation. Here’s to a future where feminism and firearms go hand in hand, where every woman is as safe as she is free.