Stephen Curry wrote an essay on why all men should care about women’s equality— not just “fathers of daughters”
Stephen Curry may be one of the most famous basketball players in the NBA, but he’s also loved for being a devoted husband and father. In a new essay, Curry wrote about how his daughters Riley Curry and Ryan Curry have inspired him to fight for women’s equality—but makes it clear that male feminists should not be limited to “fathers of daughters.”
Yesterday, August 26th, was Women’s Equality Day, and to commemorate the occasion, Curry published an essay in The Players’ Tribune on the importance of gender equality. In his piece, titled, “This is Personal,” Curry wrote that the idea has become “a little more personal” to him as he’s watched Riley and Ryan grow.
"I want our girls to grow up knowing that there are no boundaries that can be placed on their futures, period," he wrote. "I want them to grow up in a world where their gender does not feel like a rulebook for what they should think, or be, or do. And I want them to grow up believing that they can dream big, and strive for careers where they’ll be treated fairly. And of course: paid equally."
But Curry stressed how critical it is for everyone to work toward equality, not just men who, like him, have daughters.
"And I think it’s important that we all come together to figure out how we can make that possible, as soon as possible," he wrote. "Not just as 'fathers of daughters,' or for those sorts of reasons. And not just on Women’s Equality Day. Every day—that’s when we need to be working to close the pay gap in this country. Because every day is when the pay gap is affecting women."
Curry is absolutely right: Gender equality should be considered and fought for year-round—not just on a single special day. And it seems like the Golden State Warriors player is doing his part to encourage young women. Later in the essay, he wrote about a basketball camp he hosted for girls, noting that in 2018, “You’re not world class if you’re not actively about inclusion.”
Congrats to @StephenCurry30 for an incredible all girls camp at the Ultimate Fieldhouse! It was a pleasure to be a part of the camp and have the opportunity to speak to the aspiring group of athletes.
How wonderful for Steph to show his belief in the dreams of all in attendance. pic.twitter.com/yaysp61WM7— Jennifer Azzi (@JenniferAzzi) August 15, 2018
We need more men like Curry to stand up for gender equality, because (as Hillary Clinton once famously said), “women’s rights are human rights”—and it affects all of us.
