March is Women’s History Month

Women’s History Month is an annual celebration in March that highlights the contributions of women in history, culture, and society. It originated from Women’s History Week, which was first observed in 1980 after a presidential proclamation by Jimmy Carter. In 1987, Congress expanded it to a full month. This month serves to recognize women’s achievements in various fields, including politics, science, arts, and civil rights. It also raises awareness of ongoing gender equality issues.  

Women’s History Month is widely observed in schools, workplaces, and communities through educational programs, events, and discussions honoring influential women past and present.

This awareness date offers an opportunity for us to examine our own profession’s education and training, and the challenges that women still face. 

Challenging misogyny in systemic therapy: A call for awareness and change 

As systemic practitioners, we continuously engage with both local and global developments, recognizing how social, cultural, and political shifts influence our work. One such development in the United Kingdom—the proposal of a bill classifying misogyny as a hate crime—has sparked crucial conversations about gender-based violence, discrimination, and systemic oppression. If implemented, this bill could inspire similar progress in the United States, fostering greater awareness of the pervasive nature of misogyny-driven crimes. 

The historical roots of misogyny 

Misogyny, derived from the Greek words misein (to hate) and gynē (woman), has been deeply embedded in societal structures for centuries. Although first explicitly referenced in 1615, the subjugation of women has long been a feature of patriarchal systems worldwide. Modern feminist discourse has illuminated how power asymmetries and gender ideologies contribute to systemic sexism, yet these discussions remain underexplored in marriage and family therapy (MFT) training. 

The impact of misogyny on MFT practitioners 

As female MFT researchers and clinicians, we frequently witness the effects of misogyny in both our clients’ experiences and our professional environments. From pay disparities to the subtle yet persistent undervaluing of women’s contributions, gender-based challenges remain an unspoken reality. Women represent 74% of MFT practitioners, yet gender-based biases continue to shape professional expectations and opportunities, revealing the disconnect between institutional ideals of inclusivity and the lived experiences of female therapists. 

Rethinking therapeutic neutrality 

MFT training emphasizes self-awareness, cultural competence, and systemic understanding. However, the field must critically examine the expectation of therapeutic neutrality, which often minimizes the impact of gender-based oppression. Many female therapists find themselves navigating harmful relational encounters under the guise of professionalism, fearing that acknowledging misogyny might undermine their perceived competence. 

Instead of adopting a stance of neutrality, we must actively engage with gendered challenges, ensuring that both therapists and clients feel affirmed in therapeutic spaces. This shift requires acknowledging the inherent power imbalances in society and questioning the traditional notion that therapists must detach from their lived experiences to be effective professionals. 

The burden of invisible labor 

Beyond the therapy room, female practitioners—especially those from marginalized backgrounds—often shoulder the burden of invisible labor. Balancing academic responsibilities, caregiving, and professional growth presents significant challenges, further exacerbated by societal structures that fail to accommodate these realities. The emotional and logistical strain of navigating these responsibilities highlights the urgent need for systemic support within MFT training and practice. 

Creating a more inclusive future in MFT training 

To address these challenges, MFT education must foster environments where discussions on gender inequities are not just encouraged but actively integrated into training and supervision. Institutions should provide spaces that validate therapists’ lived experiences and promote relational engagement that aligns with principles of inclusivity and justice. 

A meaningful shift requires dismantling outdated professional norms that expect female therapists to suppress their identities to maintain credibility. Instead, we must cultivate training environments that honor the diverse perspectives of therapists and equip them to challenge systemic oppression within their work. 

By embracing these conversations, we take an important step toward bridging the gap between the values of systemic therapy and the realities of gendered experiences. Through collective reflection and action, we can create a profession that truly embodies the principles of equity, inclusion, and social justice. 

Danna Abraham, PhD 

Yuri Lemus, BA 

Chantel Mesta, BA  

Karen Russel, BA 

Lisa Schloss, BS