Despite our best intentions, girls are often discouraged from being leaders.

As early as middle school, parents place a higher value on leadership for boys than for girls. Girls are often labeled “bossy” or “know-it-all” when they speak up or take the lead, and they’re called on less in class and interrupted more than boys. These factors take a toll on girls. Between elementary school and high school, the number of girls who say they are confident drops 25%. By fifth grade, one in three girls are afraid to lead—a trend that continues into adulthood.