‘Ban Bossy’ campaign seeks to empower young girls to become leaders
In an effort to reclaim the word “leader” for young girls, organizers of a new campaign are encouraging everyone to ban the word “bossy.”
When a little boy asserts himself, he’s called a “leader.” Yet when a little girl does the same, she risks being branded “bossy.” Words like bossy send a message: don’t raise your hand or speak up. By middle school, girls are less interested in leading than boys—a trend that continues into adulthood. Together we can encourage girls to lead.
The campaign asserts that the term “bossy” holds girls back. According to the campaign’s website, girls are twice as likely to worry that leadership roles will make them seem “bossy.”
By providing leadership tips for girls, women, parents, teachers and managers, “Ban Bossy” aims to defy gender stereotypes and encourage every girl and woman to claim their inner leader.
The campaign was launched by Facebook CEO Sheryl Sandberg.
What do you think of the perception of women in leadership roles as being bossy?
How have stereotypes negatively contributed to female professional success?
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