If you haven't heard yet, Sheryl Sandberg, Facebook COO and Founder of the nonprofit organization LeanIn.Org, wants to put a ban on the word bossy... And we think that's awesome.
At a young age, girls who are opinionated, who speak up or take initiative are often labeled as "bossy," while boys are called "confident" or "strong leaders." It's expected for a boy to be assertive and criticized when a girl acts the same way. Being called "bossy" at a young age can really hinder a young girl's confidence and hold them back from taking on challenges or opportunities. It tells them that it is not OK to speak up or to voice your opinion; it sets a precedent that girls can't be leaders.
The effects of being labeled "bossy" at a young age can stay with many girls throughout their lives and affects their mindset when starting to apply for jobs or when seeking promotions. A report by the American Association of University Women found that girls in 6th & 7th grade rate being popular and well-liked as more important than being perceived as competent or independent, while boys are more likely to rate those qualities as more important. Further, although women earn the majority of college degrees, women only "make up 19% of the U.S. Congress, 5% of Fortune 500 CEO's and 10% of heads of state.*
The fact that leadership is expected to look and act male needs to change. Now is the time to end this gendered language that discourages girls at an early age, and let's encourage young ladies to achieve their full potential. (Cue Beyonce - "Who Run The World?")
Have you witnessed this type of gendered language?
What would you say if you heard someone calling a young girl "bossy"?
I look forward to reading your comments!
Please join Moore Research in spreading awareness to #banbossy
Lindsay Moore
Project Director
*Source: http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304360704579419150649284412
