How often have we used phrases such as ‘like a boy’ to indicate someone does something well, and ‘like a girl’ with a negative connotation?

What we are essentially doing is shaping children’s minds to believe in gendered stereotypes.

Anuja Amin of Circles of Safety — a social enterprise working towards integrating body literacy into school curriculums — believes gender stereotypes are deeply ingrained in our subconscious.

When asked about their role models, boys will usually take a man’s name, she notes.

“While girls idolise female characters, they are often open to considering a male character as a role model. But if a boy even gives the slightest inclination that he looks up to Moana or Elsa (popular fictional Disney female characters), he’s had it,” Anuja remarks.

So, how can we encourage our boys to overcome this sense of shame or ridicule about looking up to a woman?

Here are a few ways:

1. Share stories of inspiring women and discuss their achievements in the classroom. This will help normalise the idea of looking up to female role models.

Encourage activities where boys show respect and acknowledgement toward women in their lives, whether it's teachers, family members, or public figures.

Encourage boys to express interest in a variety of activities, like painting, cooking, or sports, without branding the activity as ‘for boys’ or ‘for girls’.

Watch age-appropriate cartoons or movies together and pause to discuss characters’ behaviours or roles. Ask questions like: “Do you think it's fair that the girl always has to be saved?"  "How would the story change if everyone helped each other?”

Introduce role-play where you ask children to essay the role of an Indian mother or father. This will alert you to the stereotypes children associate with these roles.