Although E and I don't have any children yet (come on blastocysts!), we hope to someday have the privilege of raising a daughter. Raising strong, self-confident children of any gender is no easy feat in today's society and, too often, children are measured by and pressured to conform to gender stereotypes. Our girls are growing up feeling less than their male counterparts, and our boys are being told it's not acceptable to be nurturing or self expressive.
I know this video is part of a campaign by Always (yes, that Always) but I couldn't not share it regardless of its origin. So many unlikely companies are starting to tackle the inequality in gender stereotypes and it's incredible to see. Here's another good one, by Verizon! about nurturing our children's intelligence, especially our girls, instead of just their appearance.
It's heart breaking to see how quickly a girl's sense of self efficacy is worn down as they grow into adulthood. I sincerely hope that when my children reach adulthood, they will have done so without the steady stream of gender shaming that so many children grow up with.
Rock on Girls and Boys. You are stronger and smarter than you know.
