In an essay penned for US Glamour magazine, the President of the United States Barack Obama has opened up about women's rights and how important it is to be a feminist. The President spoke about how his two daughters, Malia and Sasha, particularly influenced his views on the matter, and that they opened his eyes to "how gender stereotypes pervade…society."
The 55-year-old, who is currently supporting Hillary Clinton to become the first female President, spoke about the important women in his life, saying: "The most important people in my life have always been women. I was raised by a single mom, who spent much of her career working to empower women in developing countries. I watched as my grandmother, who helped raise me, worked her way up at a bank only to hit a glass ceiling.
© Photo: Getty ImagesBarack said his two daughters greatly influenced his understanding of gender inequality
"I've seen how Michelle has balanced the demands of a busy career and raising a family. I can look back now and see that, while I helped out, it was usually on my schedule and on my terms. The burden disproportionately and unfairly fell on Michelle "
However, Barack's biggest influence appears to come from his daughters, Malia, 18, and Sasha 15. Writing about how having two girls enlightened him to the importance of feminism, he said: "When you're the father of two daughters, you become even more aware of how gender stereotypes pervade our society. You see the subtle and not-so-subtle social cues transmitted through culture.
© Photo: Getty ImagesBarack penned an essay on the topic of feminism
He continued: "Michelle and I have raised our daughters to speak up when they see a double standard or feel unfairly judged based on their gender or race—or when they notice that happening to someone else.
"It's important for them to see role models out in the world who climb to the highest levels of whatever field they choose. And yes, it’s important that their dad is a feminist, because now that’s what they expect of all men."
