March Blog Series: Matriarchy to Patriarchy – The Gendered Roots of Power & Poverty

Introduction: Why This Research Matters

As we step into March, the month dedicated to celebrating women, it is crucial to reflect not only on progress but also on the historical structures that continue to shape gender inequality today. This month, through our blog series, we will be exploring a deeply significant topic:

Matriarchy to Patriarchy: The Gendered Roots of Power & Poverty

This research is not just an academic exploration—it is a personal mission to understand and address the roots of gender-based inequality and economic disparity.

🔎 Why This Topic? A Personal Perspective

Born and raised during the communist era in Romania, I grew up with the belief that gender quality was a fulfilled promise. Through the eyes of a child, that promise seemed real, shaped by the strong female figures in my family—my grandmother, who served as mayor of a small village for 28 years, and my mother, who became a financial director within the Cooperative. Beyond my family, I saw women in all roles of society—from teachers and doctors to engineers, technical specialists, and even in the army—proving that leadership and expertise were not bound by gender.

To me, growing up, we were all equal—I had the same opportunities as my brothers, and everything was based on merit and our potential, not gender. I remember one of my female teachers was a captain in reserve, and this was never seen as unusual. There were no differences whatsoever between a woman and a man—what mattered was competence, effort and determination.

However, moving to the UK in 2000 opened my eyes to a starkly different reality—one where gender inequality and systemic discrimination remained deeply entrenched. This experience ignited in me a lifelong curiosity:

🔹 Why do gender disparities persist, even in modern societies?
🔹 What historical transitions caused this shift in power?
🔹 How did matriarchal societies function before patriarchy took hold?
🔹 Why is poverty still disproportionately affecting women?

My commitment to gender research and advocacy was further strengthened in 2022, when I had the privilege of serving as a delegate for UN Women UK at the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). Engaging in discussions on poverty and its systemic effects on women and girls, I saw first-hand how deeply embedded these challenges remain.

With the 2024 CSW theme focusing on poverty and women’s economic empowerment, this issue became even more personal and urgent. This research is a personal mission to understand and address the roots of gender-based inequality and economic disparity.

🔬 Researching the Past to Change the Future

Alongside my brother—an unwavering ally for women’s rights, we embarked on a research journey to explore the historical evolution of gendered power structures. This is not just a theoretical study; it is a lifelong pursuit to dissect, understand and challenge the inequalities I have witnessed firsthand.

This blog series is part of a larger research initiative that examines:
✔️ How matriarchal societies operated before patriarchy became the dominant system
✔️ The socio-economic impact of patriarchal transitions
✔️ The role of decision-making power in shaping gendered poverty
✔️ Effective strategies for empowering women and lifting them out of economic disparity

🌍 The Purpose of This Research

The ultimate goal of this study is not just to understand history—but to use historical insights to drive meaningful change.

📢 Key research questions we will explore this month:
✔️ How did matriarchal societies function, and why did they decline?
✔️ What historical events cemented patriarchy as the dominant system?
✔️ How has patriarchy reinforced poverty among women for centuries?
✔️ What strategies can be used today to empower women economically and socially?

This research serves as both a reflection on the past and a call to action for the future. By understanding the systemic origins of gender inequality, we can better advocate for women’s rights, leadership and economic independence today.

📢 Join the Conversation!

To make this blog series even more impactful, I am inviting anyone who would like to join our research, explore these themes further or use any of our material to reach out.

This research is a call to action for those passionate about gender equality, women’s leadership and poverty eradication. If you are a researcher, writer, activist, policymaker or simply someone interested in these topics, let’s connect and discuss how we can collaborate.

📩 Get in touch with me to explore opportunities for collaborating, working together, discussion, contribution or sharing resources.

#InternationalWomensDay #UNCSW #WomenInLeadership #MatriarchyToPatriarchy #BreakingTheCycle #GenderEquality