With gender roles and stereotypes come expectations and pressure. Expectations to act, look and feel a certain way, which doesn’t necessarily align with who we are or how we feel. All of this can have a negative impact on our wellbeing - for example, if we feel we’re failing to meet these expectations, or if we feel we’re not recognised or accepted for who we are.
It’s important to remember that we are all unique and neither our sex, nor our gender, defines who we are or limits what we can do. Everyone can be brave, play whatever sports they want and speak up. Everyone can cry, do ballet and wear pink.
Whatever our gender, we must give ourselves permission to live the life we want to live, on our terms.