Breaking gender stereotypes when raising children

April 3, 2017

Breaking gender stereotypes when raising children

Panellists, left to right, Sisilia Eteuati, Tania Pouwhare, Emily Writes and Papatuanuku Nahi were at the forum held at the Mount Eden War Memorial Hall. Photo: Hannah Ross

A parenting forum has shed light on the importance of feminism.

The forum, held recently, by the Auckland Women’s Centre aimed to encourage such thinking.

Around 40 people attended, with most of the crowd being female parents.

AUT senior lecturer in psychology Dr Pani Farvid said the idea of feminist parenting has come from parents wanting to raise their children into whoever they want to be.

Women’s Centre manager Leonie Morris said she hoped the forum would encourage parents to think about the way they raise their children and the gender stereotypes which constrain them.

Mrs Morris said it was important for people to understand that society and the Government do not provide enough support for feminist parents.

Among those sharing their insight were the parenting editor for the Spinoff, Emily Writes, Tania Pouwhare from Auckland Council’s Southern Initiative, and lawyer and author Sisilia Eteuati.

Mrs Pouwhare said by being a feminist mother she hoped her daughter would grow up to understand she has a role in challenging injustice and inequality.

Ms Farvid said feminist parenting is breaking down gender binaries and raising children that have options and freedom.

The forum also touched on the need for government support for parents.

Mrs Morris said the Government needed to do more around the areas of gender pay equality, more paid parental leave and education in schools surrounding gender stereotypes and rape culture.

Last year a bill to increase New Zealand’s paid parental leave was vetoed by the Government.

Labour MP Sue Moroney, who introduced the bill, said the policy to increase paid parental leave was something her party was committed to.

If Labour got elected this year, it would be a simple policy to put in place as it had already gone through two readings, she added.

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