Mattel SVP Diana Schildhouse: “The gender gap starts at a younger age than we thought. Young girls need the support to break down limiting self-beliefs and continue to believe that they can be anything”.

There is a clear gap in the aspirations women hold and opportunities available. To produce the next generation of female leaders, we must figure out what is preventing women from reaching senior roles. Research has shown the gender gap starts at a younger age than we thought. Children pick up on cultural stereotypes at a very young age suggesting women aren’t as smart as men. These stereotypes are often perpetuated by the media and grown-ups who subtly reinforce them. Our ongoing global initiative aims to give young girls the resources and support to break down limiting self-beliefs and continue to believe that they can be anything.