Recently, we stumbled over a very powerful viral thread where women were asked to share things that every girl needs to know but are rarely taught. This thread had some really great inputs for parents on what they must teach their daughters! From financial independence to standing for themselves to not holding themselves accountable for others’ flaws, this resource is the best guide on how to raise 21st-century women!
Here are some really great responses that we feel are a must-read:
1. “Strategies for financial independence, self defence, self love, and assertive communication.” – NebulaKat
2. “It’s okay to be rude if someone won’t leave you alone. You don’t owe anyone your time or energy.” – Jerkrollatex
3. “If they’re doing things to make you uncomfortable, THEY’RE being rude to you! You don’t need to reward them with politeness. Tell them to stop and leave.” – PraiseToTheHam
4. “Do not engage with pushy men. If you are setting a boundary and a man tries to push against it, no matter the means (persistent asking, persuasion, pressuring, guilt tripping, emotional blackmail, begging, whining, …), he cannot be trusted. He might use his physical superiority in moments when you are vulnerable to get what he wants, e.g. when you’re naked and in bed together. If you are telling a man you are not ok with something, or you don’t want to do something, any other reaction than him saying “ok” is a red flag.” – Gwerch
5. “Not only do you get to say “no” whenever you want, you also get to say “yes” when you want! Don’t let society teach you that you need to act shy or play games in order to be desireable. As a society, in order to stand our ground that “no” means “no”, women must also be willing to express when it’s a yes.” – Sipyloidea
6. “Thousands of companies exist with the sole purpose of making you feel insecure about some bullshit non-issue, then selling you a made-up ‘solution’. Don’t give these people your money. Acquire more houseplants instead.” – Articulated
7. “You do not have to take care of everyone around you.” – womanitou
8. “Don’t hold different standards for yourself that you wouldn’t hold for the ones you care about.” – ArmadilloTight
9. “Your safety is always more important than a man’s feelings. If you feel unsafe, protect yourself first, think about how others may perceive you later.” – SemiSweetStrawberry
10. “If a doctor quickly dismisses your extreme menstrual pain (or any type of pain for that matter) as being ‘normal’ or that you’re too ‘sensitive’, try to seek a second opinion. My ‘normal’ pain turned out to be endometriosis.” – BranwenTheRiveter
11. “Just because there is another female present doesn’t mean you are automatically safe. Women can be predators too.” – spamari
12. “How to negotiate a pay raise, higher salary, etc. too many of us (girls and boys) are not taught how to advocate for ourselves and know our worth to employers.” – Pepperspray24
13. “Also as normal and common as Miscarriage may be it’s totally ok to grieve. Can’t tell you how many times I heard ‘oh that’s a good sign’ or ‘after my miscarriage I had a successful pregnancy’ yeah ok…that does not make me feel better. I felt guilty for falling in a heap and am terrified of trying again. Never gets easier.” – thefringedmagoo
14. “We have the right to be ugly. Not that we have to be, not that we should be, but what we don’t have is the obligation to be beautiful. There is nothing wrong with knowing what beauty can do socially and using it. But I think it is important to know that we are taught to internalize that being beautiful is an obligation when it is not. Ugly men are perceived to have the same rights as any other man (I’m talking about rights), but when we women don’t try to be the most attractive version of ourselves then we are not fulfilling a basic duty – we’re all judged by our looks, but when it comes to us, areas that have nothing to do with beauty are clumped together more often and more intensely. That’s bullshit. It doesn’t matter if you’re ugly or not, but if you were – it shouldn’t be a problem to get a job, to be respected by others, to be valued as a human being, etc. ” – hambre_sensorial
15. “No” is a complete answer and it doesn’t need explanation or justification. ” – julesfranchie
16. “Financial planning. You can’t and shouldn’t depend on Prince Charming to rescue you. ” – macaronsforeveryone
17. “My grandma told me ““You don’t need a man to take care of you. You also don’t need a man you have to take care of.” – erishilton
18. “It’s not our job to fix a man’s flaws. That’s what therapists are for. Also don’t feel bad about yourself when they are willing to make the effort to change those for the next woman.” – trud1th
19. “Your worth isn’t defined by your relationship to a man. Your body is normal the way it is. Body hair is normal we all have it. You are not inferior because you are female.” – Aluckysj
