DEAR CLEMENTINE: Tween girls, sexualisation and empowerment

Untethered...with Clementine Ford

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“Dear Clementine,

I would love some advice on how to support the tween girls in my life to be safe in a society that sexualises girls, without prematurely terrifying them. Although I have mostly aged out of men's attention (truly the dream), my life is full of girls entering adolescence, and I remember so clearly how early attention from random men started, especially when we were taking public transport in our school uniform, or starting work in service jobs like supermarkets or fast food restaurants.

How can I help prepare these young women for the inevitable attention they will soon start getting from unwelcome men in a way that is empowering and doesn't force them to 'grow up too fast' (as though girls are ever afforded the privilege of remaining innocent and protected)?

Long time listener, XXXXXXX”

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Empowering young girls in a misogynistic world is no small feat, but it's crucial for their well-being and future. This episode offers insights into the societal pressures that demand young women conform to impossible and contradictory standards. I discuss the premature sexualization of tween girls and the societal paradox that expects them to be passive in their objectification. By teaching girls to assert their boundaries and recognise their intrinsic worth, we can prepare them to navigate these challenges with resilience and confidence, while understanding how rigged the system is from the outset.
You’ll want to listen to this one with all the young women and teen girls in your life!

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Contact: [email protected]
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Free Palestine.

Chapters

1. Empowering Tween Girls Against Misogyny (00:00:00)

2. Understanding Sexualization and Gaslighting Tactics (00:08:08)

3. Breaking Down Rape Culture Realities (00:13:17)

4. Teaching Girls Boundaries and Self-Worth (00:21:14)

5. Supporting Untethered (00:28:26)