World Vision on the impact of gender stereotypes on girls and what we can do to change it

“She’s so sweet and obedient,” “She’s so pretty she could be a beauty queen,” or “He’s smart and brave; he could be president!” are phrases that might sound like harmless compliments, but they often stem from gender stereotypes that limit the potential of both boys and girls. These stereotypes can have lasting negative effects on how children perceive themselves and their roles in society.

A study titled Gender Stereotypes and Their Effect on Young People reveals that 87% of girls and women aged 11 to 21 believe that girls are judged more for their looks than their abilities. This sobering statistic underscores a troubling reality: many young girls are often valued more for their appearance than their skills, intelligence or potential.

The Impact of Gender Stereotypes

Society’s preconceived notions about men and women and what they can or cannot do place unnecessary limits on both genders. Statements like “Girls should play with dolls” or “Boys should play rough sports” may seem innocent, but they can have profound consequences. These stereotypes suggest that girls are inherently nurturing and best suited for roles within the home, while boys are seen as natural leaders destined for public or professional success. Such assumptions may not always be made with ill intent, but they can nonetheless have a lasting negative impact on both boys and girls.

In the Philippines, for instance, gender stereotypes often result in girls dropping out of school to marry young, start families, or work to support their households, while boys are prioritized in education. These ingrained biases create different opportunities for boys and girls, leading to long-term consequences for their futures.

Research shows that gender stereotypes shape how individuals perceive themselves, build relationships, and participate in society. This conditioning starts at home and in the classroom, making it critical that we are mindful of how stereotypes can either build up or discourage children.

For example, a recent study co-authored by Harvard Business School Assistant Professor Katherine B. Coffman found that girls are often encouraged to pursue careers aligned with traditional gender roles, while boys are pushed toward fields like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). This has led to young women lacking confidence and having low interest in pursuing roles in STEM fields, despite having the skills and being qualified.

While women can be mothers and caretakers if they choose, it’s crucial that we do not limit girls to these roles. Women should be free to fulfill their potential in any way they desire.

How We Can Make a Change

As a society, we can combat the negative effects of gender stereotypes by consciously checking our behaviors and biases and actively correcting them. Encourage children to explore a wide range of interests, regardless of gender. Girls should feel just as empowered to play sports or pursue careers in STEM as boys, and boys should be equally encouraged to express emotions and explore nurturing roles.

“Unfortunately, young girls are often the first to suffer and the last to be supported – and we want to change that,” says Precious Basco, World Vision’s Donor Care Manager. “Through the #GirlsCan campaign, we champion women’s empowerment and the protection of young girls’ rights, focusing on providing equal opportunities and support for girls. We believe that every girl has the potential to achieve greatness when given the right support and opportunities.”

You, too, can make a difference by supporting a girl in need. For just P30 a day or P900 a month, you can provide her with access to education, food, healthcare, personal development, and livelihood opportunities.

“Breaking free from gender stereotypes is not just about empowering girls; it’s about creating a more equitable society for everyone. By challenging these limiting beliefs, we can help all children realize their full potential, regardless of gender,” concludes Basco.

Join us in our cause. Change a girl’s life. Learn more here.

References

• https://hbswk.hbs.edu/item/how-gender-stereotypes-less-than-br-greater-than-kill-a-woman-s-less-than-br-greater-than-self-confidence
• https://www.iop.org/sites/default/files/2019-07/IGB-gender-stereotypes.pdf
• https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/what-we-do/blogs/how-gender-roles-affect-young-people
• https://www.nsf.gov/news/news_summ.jsp?cntn_id=190924&org=NSF&from=news