Dream Gap: Give your daughter an opportunity to dream without limits!

I would like to highlight an important issue that affects the aspirations and futures of countless young girls worldwide – (The Dream Gap) The Dream Gap refers to the disparity between girls’ dreams and aspirations and the opportunities available to them to fulfill those dreams.

From a very young age, girls can have limitless imaginations and ambitions. As children they also dream of becoming astronauts, doctors, artists and leaders. However, as they grow older, social barriers force them to put these aspirations aside. Discrimination, stereotypes, lack of support systems and limited access to resources often stand in the way of their success.

One of the most heartbreaking aspects of the Dream Gap is that it begins very early in life. Research shows that from the age of six, girls begin to doubt their intelligence and abilities compared to boys. Families and societies often attempt to reduce the identity of a girl child to that of a mere body, an object, or a service provider, or view her primarily as a means to produce children. Consequently, the girl child herself may internalize these societal expectations, believing her sole purpose is to please a man. From birth, she may feel obligated to conform to these roles, her aspirations limited to fulfilling societal norms and expectations, with little room for personal growth or self-discovery. This sense of self-doubt is further exacerbated by the lack of female role models and mentors, leaving her without guidance or inspiration to pursue her own dreams and ambitions.

Even in the presence of inspired women, they are often labelled as ‘bad’ in front of girl children, depriving them of the opportunity to see women as positive role models. From a young age, girls are taught that feminism is ‘bad’, and figures like Taslima Nasreen are portrayed as ‘evil.’ Society and family reinforce the notion that role models are predominantly male, perpetuating the belief that women should aspire to men’s traits of virility and power. Patriarchal norms further install in the girl child the idea that women’s empowerment is a misconception. The concept of modesty for girls is often defined as staying within the confines of the home and adhering strictly to societal norms. Since childhood, we have been indoctrinated with the belief that the presence of a woman prime minister brings about the wrath of Allah upon a nation. Tragically, these beliefs are deeply ingrained, and we accept them without question.

Furthermore, girls are often excluded from male-dominated fields such as science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). This in turn perpetuates the gender gap in these areas and the view that girls can contribute to these areas does not penetrate the minds of girls.

But let me be clear: the dream gap is not just a critical problem for girls; It’s a huge problem for all of us, rather for the welfare of the planet. When we limit the dreams and potential of half of our population, we ourselves stifle the nation’s progress and innovation. We constantly deprive ourselves of the potential and contribution that girls and women can make to society, the economy and the wider world.

So, what can we do to bridge the dream gap?

First and foremost, we must challenge stereotypes and biases that limit girls’ aspirations. We must provide them with positive role models and mentors who can show them that their dreams are valid and achievable. We must create inclusive environments where girls feel empowered to pursue any field or career path they desire.

Additionally, we must invest in girls’ education and provide them with equal access to resources and opportunities. This means closing the gender gap in STEM education, ensuring girls have access to quality schools, and supporting initiatives that promote girls’ leadership and empowerment.

Ultimately, we all have a responsibility to close the Dream Gap. Whether we are parents, educators, policy makers or community members, we all have a role to play in creating a more equitable and inclusive world for girls.

 The Dream Gap is a stark reminder of the work that still needs to be done to achieve gender equality. But it’s a call to action—a call to break down barriers, challenge norms, and create a world where every girl can dream without limits. Together, let’s work towards closing the dream gap and building a brighter future for all.

Nahid Aktar is an accomplished professional with over fifteen years of experience in academia, research, and teaching. Her research interests include posthumanism, gender studies, feminism, inter speciesism, diversity, and inclusion. She has published three research books and presented her findings successfully in academic and professional contexts. In addition to her academic work, Nahid is also involved in social work and public speaking.