Gender stereotypes need to be broken, especially in the corporate world. But focusing on building equality within the workplace is only part of the solution. Gender stereotypes take hold from an early age. By the time young women and men enter the workforce, many already have rigid ideas on what work is appropriate, by gender. At DuPont, we believe young girls need to be inspired to try any career, and that young boys need to understand that girls can have the same roles and careers that they can.

In Spain, DuPont partnered with the newspaper El Comercio and a local school in Asturias, in the country’s northwest, on an annual “Future for Women” program. More than 35 students attended a one-day, interactive event featuring videos of five female DuPont employees explaining how they’ve achieved success in jobs and careers that are typically thought of as “male” roles. Members of our Gender Equality Team led a discussion, helping students to process their reactions. The students then produced their own videos about their experience to share with their classmates, to open further dialogue on the career possibilities that can be available to anyone, regardless of gender.