Encourage all toys
I think we need to go beyond simply having children play with a toy that is objectively gender neutral. Taking the example of Lego or other construction based toys, we would have to disassociate a particular activity from the concept of gender. Historically, at least while I was growing up, playing with construction based toys was seen as a ‘male’ activity. It was pretty much taken for granted that spatial visual reasoning and fine motor skills were a boy’s domain. I guess the point I’m trying to get at is that rather than trying to make the toy gender neutral, we need to change the perception of the toy itself in regards to gender. Any child should be encouraged to play with any toy without any pre-existing bias.
From Mr Nyein Aung
UAE
Promoting gender equality
Toys are the first thing that develop a child’s personality and compel them to use their creativity. Most companies are manufacturing gender-neutral toys and it has a paramount significance in this era when gender inequality is a debatable topic. As toys provide the stimulus for children to think and behave in a certain way, gender-neutral toys, on the other hand, give children the opportunity to play without thinking of themselves as a boy or a girl.
In addition, gender-neutral toys lead boys and girls to play together instead of quarrelling over who should play with the toy. This also develops a mindset in children where they accept a child from another gender to play and share toys. Similarly, parents must be encouraged to buy gender equal clothing for their children. Such gender-neutral toys and clothing can only influence the mindset of those who consider gender equality at the personal and professional level.
From Mr Omar Iftikhar
Karachi, Pakistan
Confuses children
I don’t think there’s anything wrong with boys liking what boys like and the same for girls. We are attempting to brainwash children into thinking we are the same when we are not, and I think this creates confusion about sexuality. I’m not saying a girl shouldn’t play sports or enjoy masculine interests, but let’s not confuse them.
From Mr Mikail Olfat Byrd
Dubai
Following instincts
I think it is so much more related to the outlook of the parents - what they believe about gender equality and how they depict and exhibit gender roles at home. These would be more of an influence than the toys and clothing. I would say let them be who they are rather than trying to create homogenous toys and clothing or forcing them to blur gender roles.
One should rather let gender sensitisation be an organic process. Let them follow their instincts. I do not keep my six year old son from choosing pink coloured clothing or buying dolls, but he tells me that they are for girls. I did not tell him that at home, but he learnt it at school. So gender sensitive parents, teachers and society is a pre-requisite. Will the neutral toys and clothing be supplemental? Maybe! How much did androgynous fashion contribute to gender equality?
From Ms Priya M. Nair
Abu Dhabi
All to do with parenting
Toys influencing gender equality? Nope! Things don’t influence anything - especially children. Parents and caretakers influence children. Children live up to and become a product of the expectations of their environment. Model and demonstrate gender equality, or equality of any type, and you will grow and develop open-minded children. It’s really that simple.
From Ms Bebee
UAE
Good role models
I think that toys and clothing could have some effect as far as subconsciously spreading a message through repetitive interaction with the object, but I think the most effective way to teach gender equality is through the lessons taught by a parent or role model.
From Mr Trevor Gardner
British Virgin Islands
Could affect our identity
Gender is the first thing we use to form our identity. So, with that in mind, I’m not sure if it’s the safest approach to raising a child because that would mean their identity isn’t formed as much as it should be by that age. I’m not an expert by any means, but I’m sure the effects could be looked at and studied more.
From Ms Danielle Dube
UAE
Won’t affect society
I don’t think that toys and clothes change the thinking of a society and how we raise children with our values.
From Mr Steffen Gi
Dubai
Growing to potential
There is a difference between gender-neutral children and gender-neutral toys and clothing. There is no problem with the idea that boys and girls are different, but there should be no discrimination on allowing them to experience toys or things that make them grow into their best potential.
From Mr Dara O’Higgin
UAE
Let the child decide
I like the idea of exposing pan-gender feminist toy choices. Like, allowing your child to choose a Barbie and race cars, but maybe a doll that is more human-looking than Barbie. I wouldn’t want to deprive a child of fun girly or tomboy things regardless of their gender. In terms of identity and self-development, maybe it’s better to let the child figure it out independent of parental pressure.
From Ms Joy Dert
UAE
Combating gender-bias
We are assigned a gender - and usually, from the start. Our parents, guardians, nurses or caregivers assign us a name; paint a room pink or blue, some paint it green or yellow if they’re waiting for the news. My brother used to tease my sister and I for our discussions at the dinner table and our many rants that argued that “gender is a social construct.” But it is.
I think the larger question is what roles, assumptions or expectations society assigns to each gender that matters and what they symbolise. Colour and gender biased toys surely can’t propagate complete equality by themselves because they are just two facets that create and add to gender biases and disparities.
So yes, I would say gender-neutral toys would have an influence on combating gender bias, pressure, prejudice and assumption.
From Ms Megan Margaret
Toronto, Canada
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