This is a 2016 video from Global Citizen, an organization working to end extreme poverty. As part of their “Girls & Women” campaign, they created this video asking boys in a kindergarten class in Brooklyn about gender restrictions. The boys tell the interviewer what they hope to be when they grow up, then the interviewer asks the boys how they would feel if they weren’t allowed to pursue their goals because of their gender. After catching the boys’ reactions, the interviewers explain how restrictions are placed on women and girls in many parts of the world. Many of the boys comment that all kids should be able to do the same things and achieve the same goals.

discussion

How did the boys respond to hearing they could not achieve their dreams because of their gender?

Why do you think Global Citizen decided to ask young boys these questions rather than adult men? Do you think the answers would be different if adult men were asked similar questions?

What are some restrictions faced by girls that boys might not experience? What are some restrictions faced by boys that girls might not experience?

Have you ever been in a situation where you felt restricted by your gender? If so, what do you think you could do to challenge such restrictions?