Moms and Dads

5 Ways To Empower Your Daughters When They Hear Sexist And Misogynous Remarks

by Alexa Villano
April 7, 2025

Discrimination and sexist remarks are still rampant against women despite laws protecting them

How many times have we heard sexist remarks during conversations? Although we wish it weren’t true, our daughters will inevitably encounter sexist remarks throughout their lives. While there are laws against discriminating against women, some still make misogynistic and sexist remarks. Recently, two candidates for local positions made headlines when they made sexist jokes that many groups condemned. These remarks also remind people that regardless of the laws, people still forget that their words have weight.

Educating children starts at home, including how you talk to and empower them, especially your daughters.

While it’s still rampant, your daughters can protect themselves from these remarks. Here are five ways to empower your daughters from these types of statements.

5 Ways To Empower Your Daughters When They Hear Sexist And Misogynous Remarks

Keep communication open

It can be challenging, but communication between parents and daughters should be open. Let her express her thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Let her vent it out, and then give your take on the situation. Give her ideas on how to handle it because she will encounter these remarks wherever she goes.

If she cries, let her cry and afterward, point out how she could handle the situation.

Educate her about the rights she has

Maintaining open communication also lays the foundation for educating her on her rights. Some parents may not know that women are protected by various laws. These laws include the Magna Carta for Women and the Safe Space Act.

Magna Carta for Women is defined as “ a comprehensive women’s human rights law that seeks to eliminate discrimination through the recognition, protection, fulfillment, and promotion of the rights of Filipino women, especially those belonging to the marginalized sectors of society.”

The Safe Space Act, on the other hand, protects people in both their physical and online presence from sexual harassment and promotes the safety and respect for individuals.

Lawyer Connie Aquino told Modern Parenting that there are laws that protect against online bullying. “But there must be awareness so that parents know what actions to take when their children’s rights are violated,” she said.

As stated earlier, one candidate running for a local post was in hot water when he made a sexist remark about single parents, especially single moms. That statement drew flak from people online and several organizations. Although he apologized, he blamed the person who uploaded the video and his political rivals. The Commission on Elections has since reminded candidates running for local elections to refrain from sexist and lewd remarks on the campaign trail.

Teach her to assert herself

Part of educating your daughter is explaining scenarios that may put them at risk. Do demonstrations or role-playing so that she knows what inappropriate behavior is. This is one way of boosting her confidence when she faces these situations.

An example would be her saying no when she is not comfortable. No is a powerful word and shows the perpetrator that she is serious and means business.

Being assertive also means her calling out people for their remarks and actions. This shows that she knows what she is talking about and pointing to the person he or she was offensive with the words used.

In addition, you can explain the rules when she is with people like friends, classmates, or even strangers. This will allow her to build her instincts even more.

Build a safety plan

When we talk about a safety plan, it’s not just about defending oneself physically. Help her know the red flags that she may encounter around people. Once the red flags are pointed out, she can assert herself, and you can help your daughter make a safety plan when she’s outside without you. Doing this, she can implement the safety plan you mapped out with her.

An example of a safety plan would be a list of people she can run to or call in case of an emergency. You can also check on her location, assuring you of her whereabouts.

Lead by Example

Sharing tips would not be possible if you don’t lead by example. Be careful with the words you say in front of your daughters. Never call them mean names or verbally abuse them. You may not know it, but how you say words may hurt them.

Always remember that the way we speak or act impacts our daughters. You as a parent become their basis for the people they hang out with. The men in the house reflect the future partners or guy friends they may have one day.

It’s also important to know that your gestures may be interpreted differently. If someone makes a joke that might be seen as sexist or belittling, explain to her why it’s important to think carefully about the impact of our words.

Give Her The Tools

If you had your way as a parent, you would protect your daughter from all the hurt. But like it or not, she will learn things painfully sometimes. While you can’t protect your daughter from every hardship, providing her with the tools, guidance, and support she needs will help her navigate discrimination and sexist remarks. If you’ve empowered her to stand up for herself, you’ve already done a great deal as a parent.