It’s almost impossible to scroll through a marketing campaign or step into a toy aisle without encountering it – pink. Baby pink, hot pink, salmon pink. Over the years, this color has transcended its role as just a shade on the palette and has instead become synonymous with femininity and women. So, this means – Does pink represent women?
But here’s the kicker – how did we even get here? Why pink? Why not red, blue, or even yellow? Why is there an unspoken contract that if you’re selling to women, it’s gotta be pink, pink, and yep, more pink? Hustling Naari Asks –
- Does pink represent women?
- Is it a symbol of strength, power, and femininity?
- Or is it a lazy trope, reinforcing stereotypes and limiting identities?
That’s exactly what we’re unpacking today.
The Pink Tinted History of Gender and Color
Believe it or not, pink wasn’t always “for girls”. Back in the early 20th century, it was actually associated with boys. Magazines from the 1920s argued that pink was a stronger, more decided color, while blue was delicate and dainty, making it more appropriate for girls.
Gender-neutral whites were more common for babies, but when hues were chosen, pink was the supposed “manly” option for its closeness to red.
It wasn’t until the mid-20th century – around the 1940s – that pink found its way into the “feminine lane.” This change wasn’t some grand cultural decision.
It came down to marketing. Influencers (yes, they existed back then, too) and retail brands started pushing pink products for girls and blue for boys, doubling their sales by creating gender-specific items. And voilà. A “rule” was born.
Does Pink Represent Women or Just Poor Imagination?
Fast forward to today – pink dominates anything marketed toward women. Turn your head in any direction, and you’ll see pink laptops, pink razors, pink gym gear. What’s worse is that brands often slap a coat of pink on a product originally designed for men (with no meaningful changes) and call it “for women.”
Here’s the uncomfortable truth: it’s not about celebrating women. It’s lazy branding. Companies assume pink equals feminine, and feminine equals women, without considering that women are individuals with diverse personalities, tastes, and identities.
And don’t even get us started on the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, where every product, from pens to peanut butter jars, is suddenly pink. Slapping on a pink ribbon might raise awareness, but when it devolves into “pinkwashing” (companies selling pointless pink junk with little or no money going toward cancer research), it feels hollow and exploitative.
This begs the question – if marketing caters to what’s feminine, couldn’t it just as easily be red, the color of passion, or blue, the color of serenity and trust? Why must pink reign supreme?
The Case for Pink as a Symbol of Strength
On the flip side, reclaiming a symbol that was forced on women can also be empowering. If pink is seen as “soft” and “weak,” then turning it into a badge of leadership, assertiveness, and strength flips the narrative completely. Take the women’s marches around the world featuring thousands of people proudly wearing pink hats. Or the rise of hot pink power suits dominating Gucci runways and TED stages alike.
Some feminist voices argue that by rejecting pink, we’re rejecting femininity, implying that “feminine equals bad.” That’s a slippery slope and defeats the purpose of equality. Why do women have to dismiss something labeled feminine to be taken seriously?
Pink doesn’t need to symbolize fragility. It can symbolize fire – think bright, bold, unapologetic. Or calm, nurturing strength. Its meaning is subjective, and there is power when the decision to wear or use pink comes from a place of choice, not obligation.
Why Women Deserve More Than Just Pink
However, the fight isn’t to hate pink—it’s to demand more options. Imagine if every man’s product came in navy blue and black—no one would tolerate it. For women, it’s often pink and white or bust. Where’s the forest green? The gold? The cobalt? Ask yourself this—when was the last time you walked down a tech aisle and saw emerald earbuds or maroon keyboards “for her”?
Representation matters, even in colors. Offering variety allows women to make choices based on personal preferences rather than mandates, giving them ownership over their identity rather than boxing them into someone else’s idea of what femininity looks like. It’s high time brands got creative rather than leaning on tired clichés.
Where Do We Go from Here?
If you’re a feminist reader, a fashion blogger, or just someone with more than a passing interest in this subject, you’ve got a part to play in dismantling this pink monopoly. Here are a few steps that might help us break free of the color cage while still respecting its rightful place:
1. Call out “pinkwashing” when you see it.
If brands are pushing pink “female versions” of generic items with inflated prices, speak up. Your wallet is your vote.
2. Celebrate individuality in color choices.
Whether it’s pink or purple, lime green or jet black—encourage brands to offer choices. And when they do, buy those non-pink versions to send a message.
3. Reclaim pink, but don’t settle for it.
Pink can absolutely be a symbol of empowerment, but don’t allow it to be the only option. Wear it with pride if it’s your vibe, but demand more from brands at the same time.
4. Push for more diversity in branding.
If you have your own business or platform, look at your branding choices and ask yourself—how inclusive are they? Do your colors allow people to see themselves in your brand?
Closing Thought
Pink holds multitudes. For some, it’s a personal staple. For others, it’s a cultural battlefield. Either way, the color shouldn’t define womanhood. Women don’t come in one size, one shape, or one hue—and neither should their identities.
It’s okay to love pink. It’s okay to hate it. What’s not okay? Thinking women must fit into the oversimplified, cotton candy-colored mold society created decades ago. Feminism is about choice, and the only one stuck on pink for now seems to be the brands.
Hustling Naari hopes that they and their marketing departments – catch up.
