Being “relegated to the sidelines” doesn’t start in our teens and twenties; it begins the moment a girl can hold a toy or book or watch a screen. The programing to “play like a girl” starts early, and the impact is lifelong.
I recently had the honor of attending a roundtable meeting at The White House for toy and children’s entertainment leaders. As one of the organizers, our agenda included discussing initiatives to elevate inclusivity in the play space and break down gender stereotypes. We brought together 20 industry leaders, from corporate and non-profit executives to academic experts and White House officials.
Steve Benjamin, director of the White House Office of Public Engagement, kicked off the meeting by stressing the importance of listening. Jennifer Klein, director of the White House Gender Policy Council, followed with the importance of boys having opportunities to take on nurturing roles and for girls to be encouraged to explore STEM, which in time could help close the pay gap.
The passion of female corporate leaders was apparent as we discussed how play helps children learn and develop a variety of skills: the importance of storytelling that allows kids to see themselves as they are, not how they are stereotyped, and the need for more diverse options in toys. I mention the female corporate leaders because all the male corporate leaders invited to participate declined. This is telling when the majority of toy company executives are men.
Children’s interests, ambitions and skills can be shaped early on by the media they consume and the toys with which they play, potentially impacting the skills they develop and the aspirations they have. This impact ripples far beyond child development; it impacts our workforce and the strength of our economy for decades to come. Women and people of color are overrepresented in occupations and industries that pay less. It’s important for them to see themselves in occupations and industries that pay more, and this impact begins in childhood.
Children’s interests, ambitions and skills can be shaped early on by the media they consume and the toys with which they play, potentially impacting the skills they develop and the aspirations they have. This impact ripples far beyond child development; it impacts our workforce and the strength of our economy for decades to come.
Gender inequality, whether in toys, entertainment, pay, domestic work or decision-making power over reproductive health and rights, isn’t a “women’s issue.” Gender equality is good for everyone. Warren Buffet made this point in a 2013 essay in Fortune magazine, “Warren Buffett is bullish…on women.” He explained why women are key to America’s prosperity. “America has forged success while utilizing, in large part, only half of the country’s talent. For most of our history, women—whatever their abilities—have been relegated to the sidelines,” he wrote.
When women are taken off the sidelines and put into the game—whether in business, politics or at home—studies show their participation brings about more peaceful, prosperous and profitable outcomes.
Yet being “relegated to the sidelines” doesn’t start in our teens and twenties; it begins the moment a girl can hold a toy or book or watch a screen. The programing to “play like a girl” starts early, and the impact is lifelong.
I am thankful for the support of the White House and all the attendees, including the two men representing the Toy Association. This was an important first step to greater and deeper discussions on how to create change in the toy and entertainment industry. Female corporate leaders are listening and taking action. We need male corporate leaders to participate too.
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