The report, commissioned by France’s minister for women’s rights, Najat Vallaud-Belkacem, sets out 30 proposals for combating gender stereotypes as a means of improving prospects for equality. In other words, gender stereotypes acquired by girls and boys in early childhood – stereotypes that affect their choices in school and as they enter careers – are blocking progress toward equality. The problem, a new French report concludes, is that laws cannot legislate away deeply ingrained attitudes about the roles of men and women.
