How people define and react to feminism shifts to reflect the cultural norms of any given community.
In the rural towns of North Idaho, feminism looks different than it does in many major cities or even other rural parts of the country.
In a region known for its conservatism, feminist movements navigate an environment where traditional values are deeply ingrained, shaping both the approach and the reception of gender equality efforts.
While feminism in other areas may emphasize systemic change, North Idaho feminists frequently work within existing frameworks to advocate for women’s rights in ways that resonate with their communities.
For some, this means primarily focusing on issues like workplace equity, domestic violence awareness, and educational opportunities rather than high-profile political activism.
Unlike in progressive areas, where feminism often intersects with broader social justice movements, in North Idaho, the focus is frequently on issues that directly affect women’s daily lives, such as childcare access, fair wages, and safety.
While feminism is often associated with liberal ideologies, a form of “conservative feminism” is emerging in places like North Idaho. Women who identify with conservative values but still advocate for equal rights and opportunities are finding ways to navigate their own brand of feminism.
“I think that feminism is starting to combine with traditional values to create a healthy form of feminism,” Lakeland senior Sarah Allen said. “I see women in my own life raising strong independent children while also pursuing their own career paths and being phenomenal entrepreneurs. Both lifestyles can coexist.”
This sentiment is echoed by many women in North Idaho, who seek to balance traditional values with modern opportunities.
Many agree that the main goal of feminism should be for women to have the option to choose the lifestyle they would like to live.
“If a woman chooses to stay home and focus on her kids, she should be encouraged; being a mom is a full-time job and women who stay home deserve respect and appreciation,” said Allen. “In contrast, if a woman decides not to have kids or pursue a career, she once again should be encouraged. Additionally, if a woman wants to be a mom and have a successful career, more power to her! You can be an excellent mom and a career-driven individual. Women shouldn’t feel pressured to pick a side and stay there.”
Organizations and individuals advocating for women’s rights often frame their efforts in terms of family values and economic empowerment rather than the broader ideological battles seen elsewhere.
The National Organization for Women in North Idaho focuses on a broad range of women’s rights issues, working to bring support and awareness to the area. The organization is dedicated to a multi-issue and multi-strategy approach to women’s rights & education.
“Our chapter welcomes new members to help fight for women’s rights on the local and national level,” the website says.
Feminists in North Idaho face unique challenges in a region where skepticism toward progressive social movements is strong. Local resistance to feminism is often rooted in a perception that it conflicts with religious beliefs, traditional family structures and the conservative spirit of the area.
“I think in less progressive areas you find judgment for certain choices,” said Lakeland teacher Shannon Hall. “For example, when I was pregnant with my son, a fellow teacher, a man, said, ‘I will miss you next year.’ When I asked him what he meant, his response pointed to his expectation that I would be a stay-at-home mother. I was personally shocked at this assumption, but I believe that belief is pretty common among people in areas where mothers have that expectation placed upon them by society.”
Hall believes Idahoans in general do not assume this, but it is not uncommon to come across people who do. In fact, there are members of the Idaho state legislature who have spoken out against pre-K programs in their belief that mothers at home should be doing that teaching.
Specifically, this view was shared in 2021 by the majority of the members of the Idaho State Legislature after it rejected $6 million in funding from the federal government to go toward improving early childhood education.
As North Idaho continues to grow and attract new residents from across the country, the region’s conversation about feminism is evolving. Younger generations, particularly those moving in from more progressive areas bring different perspectives that may gradually shift attitudes.
“I feel like things are different here from how they were in Arizona,” said Lakeland senior Ciara McKinzie. “I don’t think I heard more than ten sexist jokes or remarks from random people growing up. Now that I’m here, I hear them all the time.”
McKinzie plans on attending college at Arizona State University to study aerospace engineering and musical theater in the honors college. She then plans on becoming a full fledged engineer while acting on the side.
Community member Molly Kreyssler shared a similar realization after relocating to North Idaho. She, too, noticed a shift in attitudes toward women’s professional aspirations and opportunities.
“Growing up in a different state gave me a very different experience than I had once I moved to North Idaho,” Kreyssler said. “It wasn’t until I was here that I experienced lower pay than my male counterparts or being told I could not have certain positions because I am a woman.”
Despite these cultural challenges, many people in North Idaho are advocating for equal rights and opportunities in all areas of life.
“For all people, young women and men, I would encourage a life path that allows them to support themselves financially,” Hall said.
Many North Idaho feminists believe that feminism should not be viewed as a radical or divisive ideology but rather as a fundamental belief in equal opportunities for all individuals, men and women.
If feminism is simply about fairness and equal treatment, then it should be a universal value embraced by everyone.
“Therefore, shouldn’t we all be feminists?” Hall said.
This perspective aligns with a broader, inclusive approach to feminism, one that seeks to unite rather than divide. Supporters believe that by reframing feminism as a natural extension of fairness and justice, more people may recognize its relevance and necessity in everyday life.
Still, the core of North Idaho’s feminism will likely remain distinct and rooted in the independent spirit and conservative values of the region.
