Page 157 - (DK) Help Your Kids with Growing Up: A No-Nonsense Guide to Puberty and Adolescence

EQU ALIT Y 155

Gender equality P ARENT TIPS
Gender equality occurs when men and women have the same Gender equality at home
opportunities and rights. Equal opportunities and rights mean that every
individual, regardless of their gender, is free to realize their full potential. • Teens of either gender should have the freedom to
The idea that there are certain toys, roles, and activities that belong express themselves and their emotions honestly.
just to boys or just to girls places limitations upon everyone and can stop • Make sure that rules are based on maturity, rather
young people achieving their goals and ambitions. Unfortunately, than gender.
because these assumptions are so widespread, they’re often accepted
and even encouraged by people without them questioning why. But this • Both genders should participate equally in the
is changing – more and more people now acknowledge that a person’s household, part of which involves sharing chores.
gender should not dictate their interests or dreams.

◁ In the home △ Gender equality in play
Equality of roles in Gender equality can be encouraged from a young
the home encourages age, by letting boys and girls play any type of role,
everyone to learn with any type of toy, free from gender stereotypes.
essential life skills.

Tackling inequality GOOD T O KNO W
Inequality can seem like too big an issue for one person to tackle on their Explaining privilege
own, but there are things a person can do to make the world a fairer place. Privilege refers to any unasked for or
unearned advantages given to one
group of people over another. These
advantages might be based on ability,
Take responsibility Understand that Talk to lots of people age, education, family income, race, or
for day-to-day words there is no from all types of sex. You can be privileged in some ways
and actions. “one-size-fits-all” backgrounds to but not others, such as being born into
solution to make sure their a stable, comfortable family, but with a
a problem. needs are being met. physical disability. It can feel awkward
to talk about your own privilege, but
that discomfort can help you to be
more aware of inequality and to do
Stand up for people’s Report bullying and Write to politicians something about it.
rights to live without abusive comments to tell them about
encountering or behaviour to a changes they
barriers, whenever parent, teacher, or should make.
it’s safe to do so. the police.

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