Religion, Feminism and COVID-19: Drawing Parallels from Lived Experience and Anecdotal Evidence

Abstract

This biographical narrative paper is embedded in the lived experience which addresses diverse gender-conscious positioning in terms of gender, gender equality and feminism for men, women and gender diverse people. This anecdotal frame of reference points toward the hierarchical practice and tools from decades of engaging in work-based life of man/masculinity. The COVID-19 presents an opportunity to apply the distinct strategies from feminism to adverse gender norms, toxic masculinities and transform inequalities. COVID-19 has become a pathway to establish flexible spiritual growth, theistic existentialism, upend the breadwinner’s mentality of men, and promote shared caregiving roles between men and women. The new world-wonder of a pandemic outbreak and consequential quarantine embodied a necessity for not just psychological and spiritual growth but for wellbeing and the meaning of existence too.