#SmashStereotypes

Stereotypes damage us all.

Gender stereotypes strike early. From the age of six, children associate traits like ‘intelligence’ with being a boy and ‘niceness’ with being a girl.

Gender stereotypes continue to damage children everywhere – and affect their whole life. Young men and boys who hold rigid beliefs about gender stereotypes are more likely to be perpetrators of violence against women and girls. We hear from girls who have low self-esteem and feel insecure, with one in five 14-year-old girls self-harming. This is heart-breaking and it cannot continue.

Will you take action to stop this harm?

We asked our members and supporters to tell us how stereotypes in childhood had affected them.

What are we doing to #SmashStereotypes?

This year Fawcett has brought together experts from across sectors including education, parenting and the commercial world to establish, how as a society, we can end gender stereotyping.

The Commission is the first of its kind in the UK, and will also explore how gender stereotypes interact with other norms including race and class. It will gather evidence and promote practical solutions to challenge show why urgent action and collaboration is needed across society.

Over this year and 2020, we are going to produce research to challenge minds. We are going to share our insights with nurseries and schools. We will bring together a distinguished panel of professionals and campaigners to get the Government to finally act on this issue to change childhoods, change lives. Read more about Commission's work and research here.

Support our campaign today. Fawcett_high_street_audit_-_volunteers.docx

Our wins

We’re starting a national conversation – our #SmashingStereotypes campaign has gained over 2.5 million impressions on social media
We've set up the first Commission of its kind, bringing together experts across industries to build a consensus on tackling gender stereotypes together
Our campaigns are grounded in evidence, we’ve published research on the whole picture impact of gender stereotypes and why we need to end them for good

Will you help us change childhood and change lives?

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Who we are

The Fawcett Society is the UK’s leading membership charity campaigning for gender equality and women’s rights. If you believe in a society where no one is prevented from reaching their full potential because of their gender, join us today.
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We are a dynamic, friendly team in a supportive and caring working environment. We particularly welcome applications from BAME, LGBT, disabled and older applicants.
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We campaign for gender equality. At home, at work, and in public life. Join us — become a Fawcett member today!
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Our history

Millicent Fawcett began campaigning for women’s equality in 1866, and was instrumental in achieving first votes for women in 1918. At The Fawcett Society, we’ve continued her legacy of fighting sexism through impactful research and hard-hitting campaigns for over 150 years.
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The Fawcett team is based in Vauxhall, south London, and is supported by a team of volunteers and temporary staff. Read more about us and how you can get in touch here.