Research, debate and opinion about what makes a girl a girl and a boy a boy continue to pepper the media and conversations; regardless of one's position about gender stereotyping the reality is that in today's society compared to males, females continue to:

• Receive less pay than men
• Have less representation in executive and board/corporate business
• Do up to 75% of home duties and caring for children (even if they are in the work force as well)

The premise of these realities are embedded and perpetuated at a young age through subtle and not so subtle messages like birthday cards, magazines for young girls and teenagers, toys, games, colours, clothes, the language used and expectations held by adults.  These messages are that girls generally will not be as strong, not be sporty, not be as physically active, not be so into maths, not be so good with their hands, not be encouraged to consider particular careers, and that if some girls do pursue particular sports, interests or careers, they are still often labelled, "tom boys:!!!

Parents, family, educators and society need to send strong affirming messages to our girls so that they will grow up believing in themselves as equitable and competent members of society.  That they are valued and accepted for who they are; their values and their contributions and and not what they look like! That they will not fall into stereotyped and disempowering messages that are often unconsciously sent to young girls as they grow up. Remember the modelling and examples of parents and significant people in young children's lives have a powerful impact.

• For women in the girls life to model competence and a range of non stereotyped roles. Don't fall into traps such as, "I cant mow", I don't know how to change a car tyre!"
• Encourage girls to "have a go" in sports and physical activities such as climbing trees, outdoor sports, being active (in other words, don't perpetuate the "she's a delicate little girl who has to stay indoors)
• Actively point out strong and important and significant women in the world as great role models.
• For men and women in the girl's life to use language that promotes females as competent and not just as people who cook, clean and do the housework.
• For men and women to ensure that chores around the house are shared in non stereotypical fashion as possible so that both boys and girls view life and household living and careers as equitable and accessible to all
• That language used reflects inclusive and affirming messages to girls such as " I need some strong girls to help me...."
• For parents to deliberately and consciously provide a range of toys that are not always perpetuating the typical "girl" toys or "boy" toys. As some girls may go through a pink stage, mix it up with other things as well.
• To be an advocate for your daughters. If other adults or children make comments like," girls can't do that", make a stand, counter the comment with, "yes they can".

Girls and women in society have a right to be raised in an equitable society where message about being a girl, options for career, recreation, relationships, study, education, identity, family life, are all based upon a belief, understanding and acceptance that girls and boys are equal. Family life  and society needs to reflect that.