Men Explain Things to Me

Imagine a quiet evening in a mountain chalet, where a woman, well-versed in her field, is interrupted and talked over by a man who assumes she lacks knowledge. This scene, repeated countless times across the world, embodies a subtle yet powerful dynamic: men explaining things to women without regard for their expertise or experience. This is not just rudeness but a reflection of a deeply ingrained societal pattern where male voices are given precedence and women's voices are diminished. The term that has come to describe this phenomenon, though not coined by the original observer, captures a widespread experience of gendered communication that leaves many women doubting themselves and their right to speak.

Women’s struggle to be heard is not merely about conversation; it is a battle for credibility that affects their survival and dignity. From the courtroom to the workplace, women’s testimonies are often questioned, their experiences dismissed as subjective or emotional. This skepticism extends even to life-or-death situations, where a woman’s account of violence or abuse may be doubted, leaving her vulnerable and silenced. Credibility is thus a fundamental survival tool, a shield against erasure and injustice.

The personal anecdotes of women who have faced mansplaining reveal the emotional toll of this dynamic. It is not only the interruption or correction but the presumption of ignorance that undermines confidence and participation. Yet, these experiences also illuminate the resilience of women who continue to assert their knowledge and claim their space in conversations and society.

Understanding this dynamic is the first step toward change. Recognizing mansplaining as a symptom of broader gender inequalities allows us to challenge it and create spaces where women’s voices are valued equally. This struggle is ongoing, but awareness brings hope for a future where conversations are truly dialogues.

As we move forward, we will explore how this battle for voice intersects with a more violent and urgent struggle—the pervasive violence against women that shapes their daily lives and freedoms. The next section delves into this longest war that women face worldwide.