CAMPAIGN WEEK: Like A Girl

Do we limit girls and tell them what they should or shouldn’t be? Do we box them into expected roles?

72% of girls DO feel society limits them — especially during puberty — a time when their confidence plummets.  – People

American brand  – Always –  is on an epic battle to keep confidence high during puberty & beyond. They are spreading that word that girls everywhere can be unstoppable.

The first #LikeAGirl ad premiered last year during the Super Bowl. It featured young males and females, who were asked to run, hit or throw like a girl. The males and older group of females made a pathetic attempt to do the assigned tasks, flailing their arms, worrying about their hair or dropping an invisible ball. The younger girls run fiercely, competitively and to the best of their ability.  The contrast of the before and after action really makes you stop and think… why does everyone have such a weak perception of girls?

Their second installment capitalizes on the idea of breaking down society’s norms. The theme for the video is “Unstoppable,” asking the girls featured if they’ve ever felt limited by their gender. The answer is unanimously yes, and not just for the video’s participants.

Have you ever been limited by your gender? Tell us below.

#ICloseTheGap

.LM.

CAMPAIGN WEEK: Ban Bossy

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.

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.

CAMPAIGN WEEK: Chime for Change

This week #ICloseTheGap will be reviewing campaigns based on gender equality, leadership and women in business. These campaigns are a great source personal inspiration and I have no doubt that you will be inspired by them too!

In honor of #DayOfTheGirl on October 11, I will begin with CHIME FOR CHANGE.

In 2013, Global Citizen and CHIME FOR CHANGE joined forces to campaign for gender equality. CHIME FOR CHANGE is a global campaign to convene, unite and strengthen the voices speaking out for girls and women around the world.

Image: Source

Three years later, the power and passion of the CHIME FOR CHANGE community continues to inspire, from corporate leaders and foundations, to non-profit organizations working on the ground, to individuals lending their voices and support. The campaign is empowering people with a voice to tell world leaders to put gender equality and women’s economic empowerment at the top of their agenda.

Image: Source

Watch the campaign video below: 

You can join Global Citizen and CHIME FOR CHANGE, as they partner with incredible public support from world leaders to CHIME FOR CHANGE Co-Founders Beyoncé Knowles-Carter and Salma Hayek Pinault to global citizens like you. They, along with an incredible list of global supporters of women, are speaking out in the powerful video above.

Would you CHIME for education, health, and justice for every girl and every woman everywhere?

#ICloseTheGap

.LM.