Music icon Shania Twain has stated that she does not identify as a feminist, stating that “vulnerable men need just as much protection as vulnerable women.”
The 60-year-old Canadian singer, widely celebrated for her empowering anthems like Man! I feel like a woman and That doesn't impress me muchoften perceived as a feminist figure.
Even though her lyrics advocate for women and self-empowerment, Twain revealed to The Times that she finds the label challenging.
“I don't see myself as a feminist,” she said. “I consider myself a very independent thinker and not necessarily because I'm a woman.”
She acknowledged: “They call me a feminist. I think I have a lot of feminist views because I'm very defensive of the vulnerable woman, I really am.”
Explaining her reluctance to accept the term, Twain explained: “I just feel like I'm strong as a person. It's like saying, 'You look great for your age.' I'm not strong for a woman. I'm not independent for a woman. I'm not self-sufficient for a woman. I'm just a woman.”
She expanded this perspective to men, adding, “And this affects boys, too. It's like, 'Oh, the boy needs less protection than the girl because he's a boy.' That's not true and it's not fair. Vulnerable men need just as much protection as vulnerable women.”
The country pop superstar later clarified in a letter to the newspaper that the word is “complicated” for her, explaining that “growing up for so many years, the word had so much negativity and confusion around it that I personally did not call myself a feminist.”
She concluded: “Although when I look at the values and morals of a feminist, of course I align with them.” The United Nations defines feminism as the “belief that all people, regardless of gender, should have equal rights and opportunities.”
Twain is currently supporting pop sensation Harry Styles on his 'Love On Tour', including a record-breaking residency at London's Wembley Stadium.
The five-time Grammy winner has nine UK top 10 singles, including You're still the oneand three number one albums. In 2024, he wowed audiences in the coveted Sunday afternoon legends slot at Glastonbury festival.
