#BanBossy
LeanIn.org campaign against the word “bossy” being used to discourage girls’ leadership.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Peak | March 2014 |
| Founder | Sheryl Sandberg, LeanIn.org |
| Supporters | Beyoncé, Condoleezza Rice, Jane Lynch |
| Goal | Encourage girls’ leadership |
Origin & Impact
Launched by Sheryl Sandberg’s LeanIn.org in March 2014, #BanBossy aimed to eliminate the word “bossy” as it’s disproportionately used to discourage assertive behavior in girls. The campaign featured celebrities like Beyoncé and launched with a viral video and public service announcements.
While the campaign successfully sparked conversation about gendered language and leadership, it also faced criticism for focusing on word choice rather than systemic barriers. Nevertheless, #BanBossy raised awareness about how language shapes expectations and contributed to ongoing discussions about raising confident girls.
Related Hashtags
- #LeanIn
- #GirlsWhoCode
- #BossLady
- #GirlBoss