I think it's very important that we instill in our kids that it has nothing to do with their name or their situation that they're growing up in; it has to do with who they are as an individual.
Melinda GatesRead
We still raise girls to look to other people for assurance they are attractive and smart, while boys are raised to determine their own value. Many girls are still made to feel it's not feminine to be good at science or math.
Interpretation
What this quote means
The quote highlights the gender disparities in self-esteem and educational encouragement between girls and boys.
Eileen Pollack's quote emphasizes the societal conditioning that influences how girls and boys perceive their worth. While boys are often encouraged to establish their self-value independently, girls are frequently taught to seek validation from others, especially regarding their attractiveness and intelligence. This societal expectation can limit girls' confidence in fields such as science and math, which are traditionally viewed as less feminine. Pollack advocates for a shift in this mindset to foster equal opportunities and self-assurance in all genders.
Themes
GirlsSelf-WorthEducationConfidenceGenderScienceMath
In practice
Example use cases
In a discussion about gender equality in education, this quote can illustrate the need for empowering girls.
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