Van Engelshoven: Children’s toys Are for Everyone

The choice of toys is of course “to children and parents”. “But why is partly presented in pink and part in blue?” Said Minister Ingrid van Engelshoven (Emancipation). “Can’t all that be labeled as” children’s toys “?”

Towing Fields

SGP MP Kees van der Staaij stated that “even at the SGP” there is absolutely no stereotyping in toys. An intern of the group used to be allowed to play with tractors, he said, another employee took motorcycling lessons and another third went “with the chainsaw.” “What is the problem?” Van der Staaij of Van Engelshoven wanted to know.

It merely stated that it had repeated the policy is set out in its Emancipation Note last year. “By avoiding stereotyping, we increase freedom for everyone. Why do we have to steer that choice with toys in advance by talking about girls ‘and boys’ toys? Children’s toys are for everyone, I don’t understand what is against that. ”

“D66 Activist”

Van der Staaij called it “scary” that a minister is “so close to it”. “Can’t you spend your time better?” Coalition partner VVD agrees. “There is nothing about toys in the Emancipation Note,” said MP Zohair El Yassini. The CDA called it a business for shopkeepers and the parents themselves. PVV MP Harm Beertema dismissed the statements of Van Engelshoven as that of “a D66 activist” and “not of a minister.”

Gender-neutral Toy Store? Fuss and Support After the Minister’s Decision

The minister responded in the newspaper to a change in French toy stores. From next year you will no longer find the classification Super Fun Toys & Gifts for 4 Year Old Boys | Medium for ‘boys’ and ‘girls’ there. The minister would also like to see less stereotyping in the Netherlands. And that wish alone led to fierce reactions. The minister no longer wants to respond substantively to the decision. But can it actually hurt that the toy store has a ‘boys’ and ‘girls’ department? Judi Mesman is a professor of diversity in education and development at Leiden University.