Teach girls bravery, not perfection | Reshma Saujani

TL;DR

Society's socialization of perfection and fear of failure is preventing girls and women from taking risks and pursuing careers in fields like STEM, resulting in a bravery deficit that is detrimental to our economy and society.

Transcript

So a few years ago, I did something really brave, or some would say really stupid. I ran for Congress. For years, I had existed safely behind the scenes in politics as a fundraiser, as an organizer, but in my heart, I always wanted to run. The sitting congresswoman had been in my district since 1992. She had never lost a race, and no one had really... Read More

Key Insights

• 💪 Running for Congress: The speaker ran for Congress, despite being told by pollsters that she couldn't win. This demonstrates the courage to disrupt the status quo.
• 😕 Girls and perfection: Girls are often taught to pursue careers they know they will be great in and to strive for perfection. This can lead to a fear of taking risks and a reluctance to apply for jobs unless they meet all qualifications.
• 🚀 Bravery deficit: Society tends to raise girls to be perfect, while boys are encouraged to be brave. This leads to a bravery deficit, resulting in underrepresentation of women in various fields, including STEM, C-suites, boardrooms, and Congress.
• 💻 Teaching girls to code: By teaching girls to code, they are socialized to be brave. Coding involves trial and error and requires imperfection, which helps girls overcome the fear of not getting things right the first time.
• ⚖️ Undoing socialization of perfection: It is crucial to undo the socialization of perfection in girls and replace it with a supportive sisterhood that encourages them to take risks and embrace imperfection. This will help them succeed in careers and contribute to innovation.
• 💻 Successful examples: Examples of girls who have been socialized to be imperfect and persevere include the creation of a game challenging menstruation taboos and sexism in gaming, building an app as a Syrian refugee to help Americans vote, and developing an algorithm to detect cancer.
• 🌍 Importance of gender balance: Half of the population should not be left behind for any economy to grow and innovate. Including more women in tech and engineering teams leads to better results and a more diverse perspective.
• 📚 Expanding the program: The Girls Who Code program has grown significantly, teaching 40,000 girls in all 50 states. The goal is to continue expanding and partnering with tech companies to embed Girls Who Code classrooms in their offices.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does the socialization of perfection affect women's participation in male-dominated fields like STEM?

The socialization of perfection causes women to be less likely to take risks, resulting in a lack of representation in fields like STEM. This not only limits career opportunities for women but also hinders innovation and economic growth in these industries.

Q: What can be done to address the bravery deficit among girls and women?

It is crucial to begin undoing the socialization of perfection by encouraging girls to embrace imperfections and take risks. Additionally, building a supportive sisterhood to provide a network of encouragement and support can help women overcome the fear of failure and pursue their dreams.

Q: How can teaching girls to code help in building their bravery?

Coding requires trial and error and the acceptance of imperfection. By teaching girls to code, they are exposed to a process that encourages perseverance and the willingness to make mistakes, thus helping them develop bravery in facing challenges.

Q: What are some examples of girls who have defied societal expectations and embraced imperfection?

One example is a pair of high school students who created a game called Tampon Run to challenge taboos around menstruation and sexism in gaming. Another example is a Syrian refugee who built an app to help Americans get to the polls, showcasing her love for her new country. These stories demonstrate the power of teaching girls to be imperfect and brave.

Q: How can a lack of women's participation in industries like tech and computing negatively impact our economy?

With a significant number of positions open in tech and computing, the lack of women's participation means that valuable perspectives and innovative solutions are being excluded. This prevents the economy from thriving and inhibits progress in these industries.

Q: Can providing more opportunities and support for girls to pursue non-traditional careers help address the bravery deficit?

Yes, creating opportunities and supportive environments for girls to pursue non-traditional careers can help them break free from societal expectations and embrace imperfection. This, in turn, can help address the bravery deficit by encouraging girls to take risks and pursue their passions, ultimately contributing to a more diverse and innovative workforce.

Q: How can parents and educators help in raising brave girls?

Parents and educators can play a crucial role in promoting bravery by encouraging girls to step outside of their comfort zones, supporting them in taking risks, and helping them develop a growth mindset that values learning from mistakes. Additionally, fostering a supportive community that celebrates imperfections and encourages resilience can have a significant impact on raising brave girls.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker shares her experience of running for Congress and highlights the societal pressure for girls to strive for perfection, which limits their willingness to take risks.

• Research shows that girls are more likely to give up when faced with challenging tasks compared to boys who see them as energizing opportunities.

• The impact of this socialization of perfection extends to the workforce, where women tend to only apply for jobs if they meet all the qualifications, missing out on opportunities for growth and innovation.