You probably see gender stereotypes all around you. You might also have seen or experienced sexism, or discrimination based on gender. There are ways to challenge these stereotypes to help everyone — no matter their gender or gender identity — feel equal and valued as people.

• Point it out — Magazines, TV, film, and the Internet are full of negative gender stereotypes. Sometimes these stereotypes are hard for people to see unless they’re pointed out. Be that person! Talk with friends and family members about the stereotypes you see and help others understand how sexism and gender stereotypes can be hurtful.

If you don’t point it out, ‘gender-bullies’ won’t realise that they are wrong. We have all been wired by society to stereotype people and it has eaten deeply into our minds and thoughts that we may not even realise that we are limiting other people by stereotyping them.

• Be a living example — Well, you’ve got to become the change that you want to see in the world! Be a leading light for your society. Be a role model for your friends and family. Respect people regardless of their gender identity. Respect people for who or what they are- People!

Create a safe space for people to express themselves and their true qualities regardless of what society’s gender stereotypes and expectations are. Let others look at you and learn what it means to be ‘gender-liberal’. In other words, be a gender Hero.

Speak up — If someone is making sexist jokes and comments, whether online or in person, challenge them. However, when you challenge them, don’t be brash and confrontational so that your message won’t be lost when they get defensive. Ask simple but logical questions and provide alternative options to them. For instance, if a young man says ‘’ women get very arrogant when they earn a lot of money’’. Gently ask ‘’How?’’ Most times, they’d stutter and try to find justifications like ‘’She will stop greeting people!’’. That’s when you would say ‘’Did you greet her and she refused to answer? See, there’s nothing wrong if you greet her first because she may have several things on her mind……….Several instances abound in our society. Just remember to speak up every time.

• Give it a try — If you want to do something that’s not normally associated with your gender, think about whether you’ll be safe doing it. If you think you will, give it a try. People will learn from your example. Yep. You would pleasantly surprise yourself. If you are a woman can try to nail in a broken shelf, change the oil in your small generator or wash your own car if you have the time! If you are a man you can try doing the laundry, preparing food, go to the market to buy groceries. Maybe you will feel a bit strange and maybe you will get comments or jokes from those around you. This is an opportunity to discuss gender roles with them. And you will feel empowered!
• Open Up: Talk about how you feel. Share it. Don’t bottle it up. Be bold! Talk to friends, teachers,

counsellors, family and parents. If you feel very bad or depressed and you find yourself having extreme thoughts, open up to your healthcare provider.

If you’ve been struggling with gender or gender identity and expectations, you’re not alone. It may help you to talk to a trusted parent, friend, family member, teacher, or counselor.

What if I don’t want to be labeled?

It’s okay if you don’t want to be labeled. Only you can decide what sexual identity best describes you. But some people may feel that none of the common labels feel right to them.

Your sexual orientation and identity can remain the same throughout your life. Or it can vary depending on who you’re attracted to, or romantically partnered or sexually active with. This is completely normal. Once you claim a label, there’s no reason why it can’t change as you change.

Changing how you identify doesn’t mean that you’re “confused.” Many folks, old and young, experience changes in who they’re attracted to and how they identify. This is called “fluidity.”