CAMPAIGN WEEK: Ban Bossy

Posted on by ICloseTheGap Official

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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 – BAN BOSSY

BAN BOSSY is a campaign developed by Sheryl Sandberg as a part of the LeanIn circle. Ban Bossy addresses the issue of gender inequality in leadership among younger girls – girls who are at an age that is so incremental to their self-development and leadership potential. Ban Bossy was a great source of inspiration for CONF DENCE #ICloseTheGap; see the campaign video below:

It has however been criticized for being too glamorous using Hollywood stars and also featuring promotions from famous female models. It is great to get celebrities on board with such an important issue however we need to make sure we are championing strong, independent female leaders. That is why CONF DENCE #ICloseTheGap takes a business perspective on the issue of confidence. We aim to encourage young women to take the lead by inspiring them with strong business leaders.

Ban-Bossy-Jennifer-G

Having said that, Ban Bossy is a fantastic campaign and is evidently more effective at targeting the issue at a younger age.  My only recommendation would be to increase the number of business leaders in the Ban Bossy campaign like the following:

Tell us what you think of Ban Bossy below!

.LM.

11 thoughts on “CAMPAIGN WEEK: Ban Bossy”

  1. This is a great campaign to really support. Never once have I been called bossy when i asserted myself in the work room. Sadly, stuff like this also contributes to toxic masculinity and how boys are expected to lead even though they’re vastly unqualified. #banbossy!

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  2. In my previous internship, we’ve had some issues with random people stealing our parking spot. One day, a police car was parking there and my boss went to scold them. They called her a b*tch. But, she was like, “I might as well be one if you will stop stealing my parking spot”. She then told us that it’s funny how when a guy is being stern, he’s charismatic. But, for women it’s b*tchy.

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  3. Love this post and the campaign, really addresses the issues of gender inequality in terms of character traits, which is something that should not exist. Women shouldn’t think twice about sharing their opinions or acting in certain ways in fear that they will be labelled bossy, especially when men are praised for doing the exact same.

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  4. I love this campaign! What an awesome initiative! I’m only 24 and I have had this label thrown on me on so many occasions! As a young, Samoan woman, I am completely and utterly behind this campaign!!! Malo lava

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