Sexism facts for kids

A suffragette is being arrested in London in 1914. Suffragettes worked hard for women's right to vote.

Louis XV in 1712, as a young boy wearing a pink dress.

Sexism means treating someone unfairly because of their gender. This means looking down on people just because they are male or female. Sexism can also include stereotypes about how men and women "should" act. These are called gender roles.

Many international laws aim to stop sexism. For example, the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) works to end unfair treatment of women. Sexism can affect many parts of life. It might stop someone from getting a job or being chosen for a team.

Groups like the women's rights movement and the men's rights movement work to fight against sexism.

Sexism is often linked to unfair treatment of women. This is because of how sexism has developed over time, especially in the western world.

Understanding Sexism and Related Terms

What is Misogyny?

When someone hates women, it is called misogyny. This word comes from Greek and means "hatred of women."

What is Misandry?

When someone hates men, it is called misandry. This word also comes from Greek and means "hatred of men."

How Did the Word "Sexism" Start?

The exact start of the word "sexism" is not clear. However, it was likely created based on the word "racism." Racism is unfair treatment or prejudice based on a person's race.

Sexism in Education

Around the world, fewer females can read and write compared to males. This shows a difference in education access.

Malala Yousafzai's Story

On October 9, 2012, a brave Pakistani schoolgirl named Malala Yousafzai was shot. This happened on her school bus. She was targeted by Taliban gunmen because she was an activist for girls' right to education. Malala survived and continues to speak up for education for all children.

Images for kids

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  "The Hammer of Witches which destroyeth Witches and their heresy as with a two-edged sword". Title page of the seventh Cologne edition of the Malleus Maleficarum, 1520, from the University of Sydney Library.

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  Anti-dowry poster in Bangalore, India. According to Amnesty International, "[T]he ongoing reality of dowry-related violence is an example of what can happen when women are treated as property."

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  Gender pay gap in average gross hourly earnings according to Eurostat 2014

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  Median weekly earnings of full-time wage and salary workers, by sex, race, and ethnicity, U.S., 2009

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  Poster against child and forced marriage

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  Israeli female soldiers

See also

In Spanish: Sexismo para niños