Dad's letter about sexism in his 12-year-old daughter's school sparks debate on social media

A dad has written a letter to his daughter's school accusing them of being sexist, and the note has sparked serious debate on social media.

Stephen Callaghan took to Twitter to share the letter he wrote to his daughter's school, in response to a field trip they had organised for the pupils.

Whereas the boys would be taken to a hardware store, the girls - including his 12-year-old daughter Ruby - would head to the library, where they would be getting their hair and make up done.

Confronted by the sexism in his daughter's school, Stephen wrote a letter to the school, where he accused them of reinforcing outdated gender stereotypes.

He wrote: 'When Ruby left for school yesterday it was 2017 but when she returned home in the afternoon she was from 1968. I know this to be the case as Ruby informed me that the "girls" in Year 6 would be attending the school library to get their hair and make-up done on Monday afternoon while the "boys" are going to [a hardware store].'

The dad continued: 'I look forward to this being rectified and my daughter and other girls at the school being returned to this millennium where school activities are not divided sharply along gender lines.'

After posting the funny message on Twitter, the dad was faced with an overwhelmingly positive response from people who agreed with his statement.

One said: 'It infuriates me that there are people responsible for *educating our children* who think this is remotely OK. I'm sure it's not malicious. But educators who don't think are still a bit of a worry!'

Another wrote: 'Serious point about gender-stereotyping made with pop culture references and humour! Well done! Why not half-half. Boys also need to learn grooming tips and girls deserve the opportunity to develop TAS skills.'

A third also tweeted: 'I don't know what Bunnings is, but the school is wrong to spend time doing hair and makeup with the girls. If I was in a library at that age, I'd be more interested the books.'

However, not everyone was on the dad's side, with one person commenting: 'Sometimes it is just ok for girls to do girl things😊 You missed the point across the board girls and boys are different love them experiencing all things encourage it but its ok to experience traditional gender activities. .know any male hairdressers ..anyway enjoyed the letter'.

To which Stephen replied: 'Are you for real? I know plenty of male hairdressers? Wherever it is you live you need to move and experience a better life.'

After receiving so many comments from people on social media, Stephen posted a follow up to his initial post, saying both he and his daughter are prepared to continue challenging gender stereotypes.

'Ruby and I would like to thank you for the great comments of support. At 12 years of age my daughter is starting to notice there are plenty of people prepared to tell her what she can & can't do based solely on the fact she is female. She would like this to change. So would I,' he wrote.

Do you agree with this dad? Let us know in the comments!