Tips to Help the Girls in Your Life

Together, we can help girls transcend the Dream Gap. Here are some ways to support the girls in your life.

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Show Them Positive Role Models

Introduce girls to stories about women of all ages and all walks of life. As a result, they'll begin to see more opportunities for themselves.

Challenge Gender Stereotypes

Limit their exposure to media that reinforces negative stereotypes. Instead, share content that challenges those stereotypes.

Nurture Social and Emotional Learning

Discuss topics like overcoming challenges, collaborating with others, dealing with negative emotions, and believing in yourself.

Do Confidence-Building Activities

When it comes to success, confidence matters just as much as competence.

Stimulate Their Imaginations

Encourage discovery through open-ended, unstructured play that fosters creativity and innovation.

Support Their Dreams

Actively encourage the girls in your life to pursue their dreams. Show and tell girls that they can do anything!

Additional Resources

From Hidden Figures to a Visible Force

By Neil Merlino

Mind the (Dream) Gap - Helping Girls Follow and Achieve Their Dreams

By Jen Harstein

ABOUT THE DREAM GAP PROJECT

Research shows that starting at age five, many girls begin to develop self-limiting beliefs and think they're not as smart and capable as boys. They stop believing their gender can be anything. This issue is called the Dream Gap, and to help close it, Barbie launched the Dream Gap Project in 2018 - an ongoing global initiative that gives girls the resources and support they need to continue believing in themselves.

Learn More