Patriarchy appears to be everywhere. Even outer space and the

"Patriarchy appears to be everywhere. Even outer space and the future have been colonized. As a rule, even the more imaginative science-fiction writers (allegedly the most foretelling futurists) cannot/will not create a space and time in which women get far beyond the role of space stewardess." These words by Mary Daly evoke a powerful critique of the persistent dominance of patriarchy and the limitations placed on women, even in realms that are supposedly beyond the constraints of our current society—like outer space and the distant future. Daly points out that despite the imagined possibilities of the future, even the most forward-thinking of us remain trapped in the patterns of the past, with women relegated to roles that reflect the old, patriarchal structures. In her view, this is not just a reflection of reality but an inherent flaw in how our vision of the future is shaped by the deeply ingrained inequality of today.

The ancient world was no stranger to such power dynamics. In the mythologies of ancient cultures, from Greece to Rome, the roles of women were often confined to the domestic sphere or portrayed in submissive relationships to male gods and rulers. The Greek pantheon, for instance, had few goddesses who wielded real power, with most of them being confined to the roles of wife, mother, or nurturer. Even Athena, the goddess of wisdom and strategy, was often depicted in a manner that aligned with patriarchal ideals of her being a virgin protector, unmarried and unattached to the more worldly concerns of family or intimacy. Daly’s quote underscores that while the world of mythology might have seemed full of divine possibilities, women’s roles were often limited by the framework of male-dominated thought.

This limited vision of women’s roles extended far beyond mythology into the heart of human history. Take, for example, the story of Hypatia of Alexandria, a revered philosopher and mathematician in ancient Egypt. Hypatia was a brilliant scholar, a symbol of intellect and independence in a world where women were rarely allowed to publicly lead or educate. Yet, even she could not escape the forces of a patriarchal world. Hypatia was tragically murdered, not because of her brilliance, but because of the threat her intellectual freedom posed to the existing power structures. Her death marked a point at which the voices of women in intellectual spaces were silenced, and it became clear that a system that had so tightly controlled gender roles would not easily allow women to transcend their prescribed place in society. Daly’s critique speaks to this very reality—that even as we dream of new worlds, the imagination of our futuristic thinkers still chains women to the same roles that have been assigned to them for millennia.

The lesson here is not to underestimate the power of imagination in shaping our future. Just as Plato created the Republic, imagining an ideal state that transcended the flaws of his time, we, too, must imagine a future where the roles of women are not defined by the limitations of past gender roles. Imagination has always been the cornerstone of progress, and the failure of science fiction writers to conceive of a world where women have freedom, agency, and equality is both a reflection of our past limitations and a call to rethink what is possible. We must acknowledge that, as long as women remain trapped in the stereotypes of space stewardess or nurturing caregiver, we are unable to move beyond the framework of a society that holds them to roles defined by patriarchy.

Throughout history, we see women who have transcended these roles, despite the constraints of their time. One such example is Marie Curie, who, against all odds, broke through the scientific community’s barriers to become one of the most revered figures in physics and chemistry. Curie’s work led to groundbreaking discoveries in the field of radiation, and her legacy as a pioneering scientist defied the gender roles of her era. However, Curie’s struggles also highlight that even when women achieve greatness, they must constantly fight against the patriarchal structures that attempt to limit their contributions. Daly’s critique suggests that until the future vision includes gender equality in all spheres of life, we will continue to live in a world bound by the limitations of past ideas.

The challenge Daly presents is not just a critique of the present, but a call to reimagine the future. If we are to break free from the cycle of patriarchal dominance, we must create a vision that truly reflects equality—one that transcends the old ideas of what women can or cannot be. Whether it is in science, art, or society, the vision of a just future must be rooted in empowerment, where women are free to take on roles of leadership, creativity, and independence without being bound by outdated stereotypes. In order to reshape the future, we must first change our perceptions of the past and free our imaginations from the grip of patriarchal thinking.

In practical terms, this means redefining what we consider possible for women in every aspect of life. It calls for creating spaces where women can lead without having to conform to established gender roles, whether in space exploration, politics, or technology. Let us embrace the idea that imagination is the key to progress. We must dismantle the outdated frameworks that keep women in subordinate positions, and build new worlds—real and imagined—where women are free to create, lead, and define their own futures. Just as Plato imagined a just society, we must imagine a future where equality is the foundation upon which all people can flourish, regardless of their gender.