Raising Equality: Prevent Misogyny and Promote Gender Equity at Home

I am writing this at the end of March, we have just had International Women’s Day,  the Netflix Series Adolescence has been a major topic of conversations and just this week I attended a conference on Ending Violence Against Women & Girls, I believe if we are going to make a difference we need to focus on root causes of the issues we are seeing in our world rather than the symptoms and I feel focusing on respect  equity and non violence for all will get us closer to our goals. 

Eleanor Roosevelt once said,

“Where, after all, do universal human rights begin? In small places, close to home... Unless these rights have meaning there, they have little meaning anywhere.” 

This resonates deeply in the context of gender equality. The home is where children first encounter ideas about fairness, respect, and roles in society. If we want to raise a generation that rejects misogyny and embraces equity the foundations must be laid early, within the family itself.

Parents aspire to teach their children about gender equality, however societal norms, unconscious biases, and everyday habits can reinforce traditional gender roles. Preventing misogyny isn’t just about conversations; it’s about setting the right examples. Children learn not just from what we say but from what we do.

1. Challenge Gendered Expectations Around Everyday Tasks

One impactful way to teach equity is through the fair distribution of household responsibilities. Traditional roles dictate that mothers do most of the domestic labour, but when fathers take an equal share, children learn that caregiving and housework are shared duties.

Driving is often perceived as a male responsibility. A simple way to counter this is for mothers to drive the family car, particularly if it is hers, when the father is present. This normalises the idea that women are just as capable of taking control, whether it’s behind the wheel or in other areas of life.

2. Examine Clothing Standards and Bodily Autonomy

Children pick up on double standards in everyday life, including how different genders are allowed to dress. In many households, it is acceptable for men and boys to walk around in their boxers or without a shirt, yet girls and women are expected to be fully clothed. This sends a message that women’s bodies must be regulated, while men’s bodies are neutral.

Parents can challenge this by ensuring consistent standards for all family members whilst respecting personal choice. Treating all bodies with equal respect helps children understand that no one should be shamed or restricted based on gender.

3. Encourage Emotional Expression for everyone

One of the most harmful aspects of patriarchy is the expectation that boys should be tough and unemotional while girls are allowed to express feelings. This stifles boys and perpetuates the idea that femininity is weak.

Parents can encourage emotional openness by validating boys' emotions just as much as girls'. Phrases like “boys don’t cry” should be replaced with, “It’s okay to feel sad” or “It’s strong to talk about feelings.” When fathers openly express their emotions, they model healthy emotional intelligence for their children.

4. Avoid Gendered Language and Stereotypes

Language shapes perception. When children hear phrases like “man up” or “run like a girl,” they internalise ideas about what it means to be male or female. Parents can use gender-neutral language and avoid reinforcing stereotypes. Instead of praising a girl for being “pretty” and a boy for being “strong,” focus on traits like kindness, creativity, or perseverance.

Providing children with a diverse range of toys, books, and activities also helps prevent gender-based limitations.

5. Teach and Model Respect in Relationships

Children learn about relationships by watching their parents. If they see one parent dominating decision-making or disrespect being tolerated, they may internalise these patterns as normal. Healthy, equal partnerships demonstrate that respect and cooperation are the foundation of all relationships.

Actions like consulting each other on family decisions, sharing responsibilities, and treating each other with kindness reinforce equality. Handling disagreements through open communication rather than power struggles teaches children that problems can be resolved through discussion rather than dominance.

6. Discuss Gender Equity Openly

While actions are crucial, direct conversations about gender equity help reinforce these values. Parents can discuss historical and current gender disparities, explaining why equity is important. Books, films, and real-life examples of strong, compassionate individuals of all genders can serve as discussion starters.

It’s also essential to empower children to question inequity when they see it. If a child asks why women’s football gets less attention than men’s or why there are more male leaders in politics, take the opportunity to discuss systemic issues and the importance of change.

The Home as the First Classroom

Misogyny is not innate—it is learned. The good news is that parents have the power to shape their children’s understanding of gender equity from an early age. By modelling fairness, breaking down stereotypes, and fostering open discussions, parents can raise a generation that sees and treats all people as equals.

Eleanor Roosevelt’s words remind us that the fight for equity doesn’t start in governments or corporations—it begins in “small places, close to home.”

When we make our homes environments of respect, fairness, and equality, we contribute to a better, safer and more just world for everyone.