The Uterus Curse – The Hidden Cost of Being a Woman in a World That Claims Equality

Written by Katrina Fox, Founder & CEO

Katrina Fox is a 28-year-old founder and owner of RFRM. Studios, the inclusive Reformer Pilates brand she launched in 2023. From her roots in the Midlands, she’s now expanded to Covent Garden, creating welcoming spaces where 'every' body belongs, challenging the exclusive vibe of Reformer and making it more welcoming than ever.

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Being a woman can be a powerful thing. A female brain paired with intuition is basically nature’s cheat code. We’ve got our own sixth sense, our own language, and yes, the secret that all women know. IYKYK.

But here’s what just doesn’t sit with me. Everyone keeps saying, “It’s 2025, men and women are equal now!” and I just don’t think that’s the full story. Allow me to elaborate.

The unwanted pregnancy thought experiment

Picture this. A man and a woman have sex. It’s consensual, everything’s fine, until suddenly there’s an uninvited plot twist in the form of two pink lines. What happens next?

He? He could hop on a plane, start a new life in Fiji, drink cocktails from a pineapple, and face zero medical consequences.

She? She’s booked in for invasive appointments before she’s even processed what’s happened. She either carries a child she didn’t plan for or navigates a termination that impacts her body, hormones, mental health, and work schedule. She’s juggling life as if she isn’t also dealing with the possible end of her sanity.

Now, not every man would run, obviously. But the fact is, they can. We, quite literally, cannot because we have the uterus. Congrats to us, I guess.

Meanwhile, in beauty inequality land

Let’s lighten things up. Imagine a first date.

A woman’s pre-date ritual probably looks something like this:

• Fresh BIAB manicure

• Bouncy blow-dry

• Eyebrow tint and wax

• Leg shave smoother than a marble countertop

• A full-face masterpiece Michelangelo would weep over

Not every woman does all of these, but I’d bet money we’re clocking at least 50 percent of that list every time. All before we’ve even left the house.

Meanwhile, our date is likely wearing a shirt he found draped over a chair. He might have splashed his face with water or, if we’re lucky, remembered deodorant. That’s his investment.

Then, and this is the best part, after all that, we arrive at dinner and are expected to split the bill for the privilege of our presence, like we didn’t just take out a small loan to be here.

In what universe is that fair? I’ll wait.

Business, where equality went to die

Now to business. Literally.

Female founders in 2024 received 2 percent of venture capital funding. Two. Percent. That’s not a funding gap. That’s a rounding error.

But sure, tell me again how women are “equally” supported. Tell me how this isn’t systemic bias. Tell me how the committees, likely chaired by men, aren’t just tossing fully viable female-led companies to the side like yesterday’s emails. Apparently, men are just born more investable.

Right. Totally checks out. Screams internally.

Let’s wrap this up

This isn’t an “I hate men” manifesto. It’s not even close. I love men. I date them. I’ll marry one. I work with them. I’ve even met some who use soap and a laundry hamper.

This is simply acknowledging that the glossy brochure version of gender equality we pretend to live in is not the one we’re actually in. Not yet.

I genuinely hope we reach a day where equality isn’t a movement but a minimum standard, where the uterus isn’t a liability. Where women don’t have to arm-wrestle the world for the basic respect men get on arrival.

Until then, I’ll be out here, building my female-founded business against a tidal wave of bias and politely declining to split the bill.

Over and out.

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Read more from Katrina Fox

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Katrina Fox, Founder & CEO

Katrina Fox has transformed RFRM. Studios into more than just a Pilates brand, she's built a vibrant community where movement meets mental well-being. By dismantling the cliquey barriers often associated with Reformer Pilates, Katrina has created a space where everyone feels welcome and supported. Her studios aren't just places to take a class. They are sanctuaries for building confidence, fostering connections, and embracing personal growth. Through her unwavering commitment, Katrina has cultivated a culture of inclusivity and empowerment, proving that when we support each other, the sky's the limit.