Teaching Kids About Equality and Sexism

Discussing gender equality can seem complicated when addressing young children. However, if your child has already been exposed to this topic through TV or another source, it provides even more reason to help them understand the true meaning of equality and how to address the sexism that sadly persists in society today.

Below are some essential aspects of gender equality that your children should be aware of:

Girls and Boys are Equal

Biologically, boys and girls have certain differences. However, this doesn’t mean that one gender is superior to the other; both offer unique strengths and perspectives.

Children should understand that they are free to express themselves and pursue any career that interests them.

If you have daughters, they should be aware that there's no such thing as "boys-only jobs" or "boys-only tasks." A girl can excel in any domain just as well as a boy can.

Support Others who are Discriminated

Your children should understand how to act if and when they encounter people who are ridiculed or criticized for being open-minded and speaking out against sexism. 

Inform your kids that they should be accepting of such individuals and offer their support.
               

Some People Advocate Patriarchy

Let your children know that society isn't perfect and that many people still favour patriarchal perspectives and hold orthodox views.

We might not always succeed in changing their beliefs, and that's okay. What's crucial is ensuring your children recognize that they don't need to adopt these beliefs or base decisions on stereotypes. 

As long as they understand that men and women deserve equal treatment and rights, you have laid a solid foundation for them.

Practical Tips

The following are a few practical tips on how you can promote gender equality at your own home:

• Allow your kids to play with whatever toys they want to play with irrespective of their sex. 

• Lead by example. Show your kids what it means to support gender equality by sharing duties with your partner. You and your partner can together work on tasks such as cleaning utensils, washing clothes, gardening, etc. 

• Watch movies and play music that expose your kids to diverse cultures and ethnicities. 

In conclusion, parents and caregivers must teach children about equality and sexism—there's no two ways about it.

We can instil values of justice and empathy in our kids through honest conversations, addressing prejudices, and presenting diverse role models.

To foster a more just world, we need to start at home and prepare future generations to combat social biases.

Remember, nurturing equality-minded children not only empowers them to be compassionate and informed but also paves the way for a brighter, more inclusive future.