But women DO need men in their lives. For starters, their father? Man number one. Brothers? Sons? Women don't need them?

What about the police force, which is majorly comprised of men? Women don't need to be protected by criminals either? Perhaps these policeman should stay out of women's lives when they're being robbed. After all, women don't need men in their lives.

To say "women don't need men" is ridiculous on 1000 different levels simultaneously, and to defend it is to perform mental gymnastics trying to justify why it's an ok thing to say.

I think you're giving women who say this waaay too much of the benefit of the doubt here. I understand your point, but I just don't agree.