Quick and easy ways to #BreakTheBias

We think that creating inclusive communities where we live is really important. That’s why we’re celebrating International Women’s Day 2022 to amplify the voices of the women in ForHousing communities and create a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.

This year’s theme is #BreakTheBias and we understand that sometimes it might feel difficult to know how we can raise awareness against bias. We’ve put together ten quick and easy ways to help break the bias and do our bit for equality. They won’t break the bank or take hours to complete, it’s just manageable ways we can call out inequality when we see it.

1. There’s no such thing as a toy for a girl or a boy! You never know what your children will want to play with so why limit their imagination by only letting them play with pink princesses or blue cars. Teaching your little one that they can make a choice on what they like is the best way to help them break stereotypes.

2. Call your friends and family out if you hear them be stereotypical or discriminate against someone. It’s really important that we stand up for people and by having a simple and honest conversation with your loved ones, you can help change their opinion.

3. See everyone as equal. Like toys, there are no jobs for men or jobs for women. Anyone can do whatever job they’d like so try not to let gender stereotypes make you think someone isn’t good at their job.

4. Share information if you can! Lots of us might not understand why gender equality is so important. Why not talk to your friends and family and start some conversations about the importance of breaking the bias? You could even share this article with them.

5. Empower the women around you – maybe your daughter has won an award at school or your friend has just gotten a new job, its important to celebrate even the smallest of achievements that your loved ones make.

6. Read books, watch films, or listen to music created with women in mind. There are lots of harmful stereotypes of women in the things we watch, listen to, and read. Luckily, lots of clever people are helping to change that. We’ve put together some recommendations:

Books

  • We Should All Be Feminists – Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
  • I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban – Christina Lamb and Malala Yousafzai
  • Girl, Woman, Other- Bernardine Evaristo
  • Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People – Mahzarin R. Banaji
  • Peaceful Fights For Equal Rights – Rob Sanders
  • An ABC of Equality – Chana Ginelle Ewing

Films and TV shows

  • The Handsmaid’s Tale
  • Shrill
  • I May Destroy You
  •  Portrait of a Lady on Fire
  • Suffragette
  •  Hidden Figures
  •  Little Women

7. Why not learn all about unconscious bias? You might not realise it but some of the opinions and judgements we hold about certain things, people or groups can be prejudiced and unfair, without us realising. It’s important that we are aware of bias so that we can make good decisions without these learned stereotypes affecting how we treat people.

8. Get inspired! Find yourself a role model who has achieved great things for gender equality. From Malala Yousafzai to Emmeline Pankhurst, you might find someone who inspires you to join the fight for gender equality.

9. Use your vote and vote for equality! Nearly 100 years ago, women were given the opportunity to vote for the first time which challenged societies views on gender. In 2022, why not make the most out of your vote and vote for candidates that are campaigning for equality for underrepresented communities.

10. Share the household chores! There’s lots of outdated stereotypes that suggest a woman should be looking after children, cooking and cleaning whilst men are responsible for working. It’s just not right! Modern families work in different ways with lots of members of the family taking on different work arrangements and household responsibilities. Lead by example and make your home be an equal place to live.

There’s lots of easy ways we can all help #BreakTheBias. Maybe you’ve found some easy ways yourself? Share your top tips with your loved ones to help raise awareness of gender equality in your community.

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