In a previous article Choma, I opened up a discussion about gender stereotypes – stuff like how boys are considered better than girls in sports and math, or how men are better to work as doctors while women should be nurses. Let’s face it, these stereotypes aren’t doing us (both boys and girls) any favours. By believing in, or even encouraging these stereotypes, we’re creating unrealistic limitations on our potential. We can be better, Chomas. We should be better. So, how do we combat these stereotypes when we face them?

Speak up, confront stereotypes in casual conversation

Whether it’s mildly sexist “jokes” or comments like “you hit like a girl”, confront these at every opportunity. Raise awareness over biases and always question them. Now I’m not saying that it must be a big fight each time, but even the smallest gesture can contribute to the mission for gender equality. People don’t always realise the implications of their comments and by calling them out, you could create a new ally in the fight for gender equality.

Don’t limit yourself, be who and what you want to be

Lead by example and be yourself, always. Follow your heart and your dreams and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. So what if people tell you boys are better at math and science, if you have a passion for it and want to be a scientist, there’s nothing stopping you from achieving what you want. In the Oscar-winning film ‘Hidden Figures’ about the amazing women behind the NASA space programme in the 1950s and 60s, it was the women who made scientific breakthroughs that made history. Did you know there were entire departments of women mathematicians called computers who helped perform the complicated calculations needed to get the early spacecraft up into orbit? Later, when real computers threatened to take their jobs, these amazing ladies taught themselves to program these computers and lead the field from a new angle. This shows that careers in science and IT are not just for men.

Don’t be part of the problem

Sometimes, we contribute to gender stereotypes through our own actions and words. We should take time to unlearn what society and the media has taught us. You know how movies, magazines, and even your grandparents have told you about the traditional roles of men and women, for example that women should be in the kitchen and men get to focus on careers? Choma, there’s nothing wrong with a guy who prefers to do the cooking at home and a woman who chooses to focus on her career. It’s a brave new world and we’re the ones who are driving it, so changing your own mind-set will set you up to have the conversations around changing the way women are perceived in the world.

Try new experiences

Now that you’ve committed to being free yourself out of the box society has placed you in, it’s time to confront your own biases and try new things, and you’ll be surprised at what you can accomplish and what hidden talents you might have. Exposing yourself to new experiences also opens your mind to making new connections and new ways of thinking, helping you grow as a person, and help you recognize that you can do anything Choma!.

Choma, gender stereotypes harm men and women across all age groups and races because they keep us confined to society’s assumptions about who we are “supposed to be”. But the truth is, everyone is a unique individual, which is what makes us so beautiful. Breaking the stereotypes we’re used to, gives us freedom to be who we really are, and to believe in our power as women. We can do anything we set our minds to, but only when we truly believe we can!

If you need advice or help, remember that you can contact me here on Ask Choma, send me a Facebook Message, a Twitter DM, or a WhatsApp Message (071 172 3657)