Have you ever been told you couldn’t do something because you’re a girl? I bet you have (at least once).
Was it a sport? A school subject? An extracurricular activity? How did it make you feel? It sucks, doesn’t it? We’ve all been there.
Girls are just as strong, brave, smart, persistent –and any other amazing quality you can think of– as boys. There’s nothing a boy can do that a girl can’t. So why is society telling girls that there’s a limit to what they can and can’t dream and achieve? Who are we to tell anyone what the limits to their dreams are?
We’re all unique human beings, some of us are better at sports, others excel at music, and others are great with numbers or with computers or at drawing. The possibilities are endless. But just because I’m not the best baseball player in the field, it doesn’t mean that I shouldn’t try out for the team. Even if I don’t make it, that doesn’t mean I can’t enjoy the sport for the fun of it.
And that’s what actress Maisie Williams said at this year’s Always Confidence Summit. Williams is known for playing Arya Stark in HBO’s Game of Thrones. And after this speech, we can confirm that she’s just as badass as her character.
“It’s time for girls to be free; free to nurture and celebrate whatever qualities and talents make them different,” she said. “It’s the most liberating time moving into adulthood. But that transition should not happen with labels and expectations, but with an open heart and mind.”
Williams’ speech is part of the #LikeAGirl Campaign. This movement is questioning how and why we limit girls. It questions phrases like “you throw like a girl” or “you run like a girl”. Instead of encouraging young boys and girls, these words tend to undermine and humiliate them. Instead of making them stronger, their self-esteem is wounded.
Besides, what’s wrong with “throwing like a girl”? Or “running like a girl”? Or “kicking like a girl”? There are some very badass girls who just won the World Cup. #TeamUSA
“Confidence gives us what we need in life. So build yours, protect yours, fight for yours, grab it with both hands and hold it like the course of your future depends on it. Because it does,” Williams continued.
Confidence can be the key factor that differentiates success from failure. Believing in yourself can be one of the most powerful things you can do.
“The world is desperate for leaders, male and female. It’s not about gender, it’s about purpose (…) Fan your fire, move from your core, and be quick on your feet, sharp in your mind, gentle in your heart. Be authentic. If you can do all that, well, then get ready for greatness. Chin up, chest out. You are unstoppable. Like a girl.”
