A new Plan survey shows that many stereotypical beliefs about gender roles in society are still very entrenched among young people.
Our annual ‘Because I Am A Girl’ report which assesses the state of the world’s girls, states that fathers, brothers, husbands play an essential role in creating true gender equality.
Plan International CEO Nigel Chapman said: “It is widely recognized that empowering girls is a key to unlock families from poverty and deprivation. But since we began monitoring the state of the world’s girls back in 2007 we have rightly been asked: ‘So, what about the boys?’
“Of course, many boys are affected by poverty, lack of opportunity and also violence. But girls face double discrimination by being young and by being female. Everyone, including boys, benefits from a more just, equal world but it cannot be attained by girls alone – we must all play a more active part.”
The survey, carried out as part of the research for the report revealed that nearly a third of boys in the UK believe men make better politicians than women. The figure is comparative to 34 per cent of peers agreeing in developing country Rwanda. But both the UK and Rwanda fare better than emerging economy India, where more than half (55 per cent) of boys believe men make better politicians.
Gender roles
Other UK results include that more than a quarter (29 per cent) of boys think they should not help with housework and less than half (49 per cent) of boys think it would be good to have the same number of men and women leading the country’s top firms.
“There are variations from country to country but our overarching conclusion must be that our families and schools are handing gender inequality down through the generations,” says Plan UK’s chief executive Marie Staunton. “For girls growing up, particularly in the world’s poorest countries, this leaves them little chance of breaking free from the cycle of poverty.”
Gender inequality, particularly in the world’s poorest countries, can lead to girls being pulled out of school to marry with little or no chance of pursuing a career. Meanwhile, a life of crime can await boys who play-up to the masculine image.
The report stresses that men are central to achieving gender equality as they occupy the top positions in companies and governments across the world. And while educated and empowered women will be able to secure jobs, hands-on fathers may lead more fulfilled lives.
Education is key
Researchers conclude that education is key to help changing attitudes and end traditional stereo-types. And successes have been achieved as men in many countries take up the fight against inequality – including boys campaigning against early marriage in Egypt.
Recommendations from the report are to encourage global policy makers to educate, campaign and legislate on equality.
“We must educate to promote equality from nursery school; campaign to engage men and boys in challenging discrimination; and legislate to pass and implement laws to promote equal opportunities,” says Marie Staunton.
Read more about our Because I am a Girl campaign