Even though women make up 19% of the United State’s Congress, 5% of Fortune 1,000 CEOs, and 17% of corporate boards, they are still not treated as the equals of men when it comes to leadership and being bosses.
The USA Girl Scouts recently partnered with LeanIn.org, an extension of Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead, a book written by Sheryl Sandberg. This organization is committed to supporting women in a variety of ways when it comes to leadership and helping these women to achieve their goals.
Together these two organizations created Ban Bossy, a public service campaign encouraging people to pledge to ban the use of the word “bossy.”
Many young girls who frequently speak up in class or take initiative feel that they are being judged by their classmates. This feeling of judgment in some cases stems from one little word, “bossy,” a word commonly used by fellow students to describe girls’ want to learn and lead.
The usage of this word usually comes at a young age and stays in the back of girls’ minds all through growing up. In some cases, it holds them back from leadership roles.
On the company’s website, they write, “When a little boy asserts himself he is called a ‘leader.’ Yet when a little girl does the same, she risks being branded ‘bossy.’”
The Ban Bossy campaign along with helping to spread how hurtful of a word “bossy” can be, has also put together informational packets full of tips and some eye-opening facts.
Some of these facts include that by the time they reach middle school girls are 25% less likely to say that they enjoy taking the lead and that girls are less likely to be called on in class and more likely to be interrupted while talking than boys.
Other famous figures and celebrities have taken note along with Beyoncé including fashion designer, Diane von Fürstenberg, actors Jane Lynch and Jennifer Garner, and the United States Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan. Each shared encouraging words for young girls about taking initiative and being strong leaders in the Lifetime public service announcement.
The use of the word “bossy” can be hurtful and can cause girls to shy away from leadership positions and roles that come with large amounts of responsibility.
Being a boss is a positive thing and the word "bossy" shouldn't get in any young female leader's way.
To find out more and to take the pledge go to banbossy.com
-BL
