This outdated stereotype has been perpetuated for generations, but it’s wrong. Women are not weak. They give birth; as any mother can attest, there is nothing weak about being in labor. So what gives? Why is the female gender considered weak by some? There are so many factors at play when it comes to this notion.

For starters, are we talking about physical, emotional, or mental strength? Are there cultural things at play? Are there systemic issues and prejudices that make some people feel this way even though it’s not even backed by science?

While it’s quite unfair and couldn’t be further from the truth, there is a reason the United States has seen 46 male presidents and has not elected a female — at least not yet. Whether you’re a man, woman, or nonbinary, it’s so important to challenge this misconception. While some people still believe women are “weak,” sex, facts, history, and science reveal a much different narrative — one where women’s physical, mental, and emotional strengths shine brightly.

Why Some People Think Women Are the Weaker Sex

Historically, physical strength has often been equated with dominance. For centuries, societies have been structured around the idea that men — who are typically larger and stronger in terms of muscle mass — are “naturally” more powerful than women. Before modern times, they were the hunters, while women were gatherers. This belief was then further reinforced by cultural narratives, myths, and even early scientific studies that overlooked or dismissed women’s contributions and capabilities (such as assuming women only belong in the kitchen).

In ancient Greece, for example, women were often confined to domestic roles, with philosophers like Aristotle reinforcing the idea that women were biologically inferior to men. In the Victorian era, women were seen as fragile, emotional beings who needed protection, reinforcing a societal structure where they were dependent on men. Moreover, men were told it was not okay to cry or be weak.

Even in more modern contexts, sports have long been divided by gender, with men’s events often being prioritized or viewed as more prestigious. The notion that women couldn’t compete at the same physical level persisted until breakthroughs like Kathrine Switzer, the first woman to officially run the Boston Marathon in 1967.

So Are Men Stronger Than Women?

The answer is simply, no.

Women and Physical Strength

First of all, physical strength isn’t the only measure of capability or resilience. Yes, men generally have more muscle mass than women due to testosterone and go on to become champions in sports, but strength is multifaceted. Women have proven over and over again that they possess a unique combination of mental, emotional, and physical strength that shouldn’t be undervalued. When combined, it makes women a force to be reckoned with.

For example, women are biologically designed to endure pregnancy and childbirth, two of the most physically demanding processes that humans experience. According to CNN Health, childbirth places equal, if not greater, metabolic demand on a woman’s body than any extreme endurance sport.

Furthermore, women tend to live longer than men — especially if women make exercise a habit. In 2021, the global life expectancy by gender showed a 5-year gap. The average life expectancy, according to Our World in Data, was 73.8 years for women, while it was 68.4 years for men.

Women and Emotional Strength

While it’s difficult to definitively say that one gender is mentally stronger than the other, research does highlight some fascinating differences in how men and women handle mental and emotional challenges.

Women have been shown to have more willpower and higher pain tolerance than men. One study conducted by the National Library of Medicine found that women are often better at coping with pain, potentially due to estrogen.

When it comes to EQ, women have also been found to be more emotionally intelligent than men, according to a study done by the National Library of Medicine. This doesn’t necessarily mean that women don’t experience stress or emotional strain. In fact, women are more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety or depression, according to the Mayo Clinic, but they are also often more likely to seek help when needed and navigate emotional hardships with support networks.

So what gives? Stereotypes of female weakness persist due to gender roles that assign certain expectations to men and women. Historically, women were confined to domestic tasks, and men were hunters, soldiers, and protectors. But this doesn’t mean women were weak; it means they were placed in roles where their strength wasn’t publicly recognized.

Even in the workforce today, women face institutional barriers, often being underestimated despite their strengths. However, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce revealed that women now make up more than 58% of the U.S. workforce, and studies show that companies with gender diversity at the leadership level tend to be more profitable and successful, according to this McKinsey & Company report.

How Has Evolution Impacted Women’s Strengths and Weaknesses?

Evolution has played a significant role in shaping the strengths of women, many of which go far beyond physicality. For thousands of years, women have honed skills in multitasking, community-building, and nurturing, all of which were essential for the survival of early human societies. While men were traditionally hunters, women were gatherers and caregivers, roles that required keen awareness, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple tasks at once.

In fact, anthropologists have found that women’s multitasking abilities likely evolved as a way to handle child-rearing, foraging, and socializing within the community. These skills continue to be valuable today, especially in high-stress environments such as the workplace or home life, where multitasking is essential and some women just never give up.

Emotional intelligence and empathy are also evolutionary traits that have allowed women to thrive in social environments. Empathy is an important social skill, helping to foster cooperation and community bonds, which is key to the survival of early human groups. In modern times, these traits are essential in leadership roles, parenting, and relationship-building. They also counter the stereotype that women are “too emotional” or weak, showing that emotional depth is a strength, not a flaw. Experts like Brene Brown and Adam Grant cite the importance of emotional intelligence for successful leaders.

Bottom Line: Women Are Not Weak

Women’s strengths — both physical and mental — are vast and diverse, built through millennia of evolution, adaptation, and resilience. While the outdated notion of female weakness still lingers in many corners of society, the truth is that women possess a powerful combination of emotional intelligence, endurance, and adaptability that makes them anything but weak.

Whether it’s the strength to give birth, the endurance to run a marathon, or the emotional resilience to support a family (whether they are also working parents or stay-at-home mothers), women have demonstrated time and again that their abilities are just as formidable as men’s. As we continue to break down gender stereotypes, it’s essential to recognize and celebrate the unique strengths that women bring to the table. Strength comes in many forms, and women embody them all. Visit SpreadLove.org to join our mission of promoting love regardless of gender and busting old gender stereotypes.