Following Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential elections last year, many parents across the world struggled with the responsibility of informing their children – especially their daughters – of the shocking result.
After all, how do you convince a young woman they're equal to men, will have the same opportunities and are respected when the leader of the Free World is calling them 'dogs', 'pieces of ass' and so worthless that you can 'grab them by the p***y'?
In response, Sheryl Sandberg And Gloria Steinem have opened up in National Geographic's January issue to inspire parents to teach their children that young girls have the same talents and opportunities as their male counterparts.
Sanberg said: 'Raise your hand if you're a girl in class. Run for class president. If you're interested in it, be a leader. Don't let the world tell you girls can't lead.'
The mother-of-two also explained how imposing gender roles on boys and girls from childhood perpetuates old-fashioned and illogical expectations from the sexes.
'From the moment they're born, boys and girls are treated according to stereotypes. We tell little boys, 'Don't cry like a girl.' Not helpful,' she added.
Meanwhile, Gloria Steinem explained how young men and women shouldn't adopt specific roles or stereotypes relating to their gender and the need to remove the concept of gender from society entirely.
She said its important for young girls to 'trust the unique voice inside them'.
'And to be sure and listen as much as they speak, so that they are honoring the other unique people outside them. It's important for girls not to internalize a sense of passivity or inferiority or second-classness, and for boys not to internalize a sense of having to be stronger or superior or in control. What helps the most is for boys to be raised to raise children,' she concluded.
The news comes days after Gloria Steinem announced she would be joining with Planned Parenthood in the 'Women's March On Washington' to be held on 21 January.
The future is female.
Katie O'Malley is the Site Director on ELLE UK. On a daily basis you’ll find Katie managing all digital workflow, editing site, video and newsletter content, liaising with commercial and sales teams on new partnerships and deals (eg Nike, Tiffany & Co., Cartier etc), implementing new digital strategies and compiling in-depth data traffic, SEO and ecomm reports. In addition to appearing on the radio and on TV, as well as interviewing everyone from Oprah Winfrey to Rishi Sunak PM, Katie enjoys writing about lifestyle, culture, wellness, fitness, fashion, and more.
