I think Mongolia is an interesting counterexample to the common idea that traditional masculinity and feminism (or at least gender equality) are necessarily opposed. It is the most feminist country in east asia.

Historically, Mongolian women often had relatively active roles compared with many neighbouring societies. Nomadic life required both men and women to contribute to the household economy, and women could manage livestock, finances and the home while men were away. Widows could remarry, and historical sources describe influential women in politics and leadership.

Modern Mongolia also differs from many East Asian countries in several ways. Female labour-force participation is high, women make up a large share of university graduates, and expectations around dating, appearance and gender roles seem less rigid than in some neighbouring countries. At the same time, many Mongolians still express pride in traditional culture, nationalism and relatively conventional ideas about masculinity.

My argument is simply that Mongolia appears to combine a relatively traditional culture with comparatively high levels of women's social participation, suggesting that masculinity and gender equality are not always incompatible. This can also be a good example for other east asian countries (like south korea which has somewhat of a gender war). But I am also skepticla of modern feminism, the mongolia approach is healthier (both mongolian men and women are nationalists and proud of their country, unlike a lot of western femisnist)

Do you think Mongolia is a genuine counterexample to the idea that traditional masculinity and gender equality cannot coexist? If not, what am I overlooking?

Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan have elements of this but it is a bit muted due to islam (it is not strict but still has an influence)