"Aux yeux du public, les filles et les femmes avec des perspectives fortes sont détestées"

The idea here is pretty straightforward: When women and girls express strong opinions, they often face backlash. It’s not just about having an opinion—it's about the strength and conviction behind it that tends to rub some people the wrong way. You can probably think of a few examples off the top of your head, right?

Historically, society’s had quite a rocky relationship with women and girls who dare to speak their minds. Think about the suffragettes in the early 1900s. They were ridiculed, arrested, and even force-fed in prisons just for demanding the right to vote. Fast forward to the modern day, and you've got public figures like Greta Thunberg facing intense criticism for her passionate advocacy on climate change. It’s like the more determined and vocal a woman is, the more she’s seen as a threat.

Now imagine you’re in a work meeting. Sarah, a colleague of yours, presents a bold new strategy for the company. It’s innovative, it’s ambitious, and it’s sure to shake things up. But instead of being met with enthusiasm, she gets eye rolls and dismissive comments. “She’s too aggressive,” someone whispers. “Why can’t she be more like Jessica?” they say, referring to another colleague who usually goes with the flow and doesn't rock the boat. Sarah’s strong stance and confidence are met with disdain, rather than the appreciation they deserve.

So how can we apply this wisdom in our own lives? First, recognize the bias—it's often unconscious, but it's there. When you see a woman being criticized for her strong opinions, question the criticism. Is it about the content of her ideas or the fact that she’s assertive enough to voice them? Offer support to those women and girls who dare to be vocal. Sometimes, all they need is someone in their corner saying, “Hey, you’re doing great. Keep it up.”

To bring this concept to life, let’s dive into a relatable story. Picture this: Emma is a high school student who’s passionate about making her school more eco-friendly. She proposes replacing the cafeteria's plastic utensils with biodegradable ones. She’s done her homework, presents a solid plan, and even finds a supplier. But some students mock her, saying she’s overreacting about the environment. Teachers too, see her as a “troublemaker” who’s causing unnecessary disruption.

Emma could easily back down, defeated by the negativity. But instead, she finds a few supportive friends and a couple of teachers who believe in her cause. With their help, she organizes a presentation for the school board. Her persistence pays off—they decide to pilot her plan for a semester.

Emma’s story illustrates the kind of tenacity that can bring about change despite opposition. It’s a reminder that strong perspectives, especially from women and girls, are often met with resistance. But with support and persistence, those perspectives can lead to meaningful change.

So, next time you encounter a girl or woman with a strong opinion, listen. Encourage her. Back her up. The world needs more people who aren’t afraid to speak their minds, and it’s up to us to create an environment where they can do so without fear of hatred. Think of it as planting seeds for a more inclusive future—one where everyone’s voice can be heard loud and clear.