A group of fathers turned traditional parenting on its head recently in order to learn a vital lesson about feminism from their young daughters.
Following the recent Harvey Weinstein scandal and the resulting stories of sexual harassment and abuse that have followed, two Brooklyn photographers, Sham Hinchey and Marzia Messina, decided to take the opportunity to spread some more heart-warming news – and some awareness about the importance of educating women about these issues from a young age.
The couple – who have a 10-year-old daughter – invited 22 fathers and their young daughters into their studio, where they were asked to discuss the concept of feminism, before posing for a portrait together.
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Sham and Marzia’s idea came after they noticed how many male celebrities had taken to Twitter to share their concerns about the Weinstein scandal with posts that began: ‘As fathers of daughters…’
Although many appreciated their stance on the controversy, some women were left confused as to their reasoning behind it – or rather the statement that’s put in front of the scolding: ‘As fathers of daughters…’ noting that a man shouldn’t have to be a father in order to understand why sexual harassment is wrong.
And it is this concept that the photographers wanted to highlight as part of their latest project, entitled Dear Daughters, which they hoped would not only highlight the fact that a man shouldn’t need a daughter in order to understand why sexual harassment is wrong, but also make clear why having a female child means that a man needs to take responsibility for educating them about these topics.
‘We really wanted to hear men talk on the question of feminism and women’s rights and the role of a woman in the society,’ Sham told Glamour of the project.
Dear Daughters: Sham Hinchey and Marzia Messina created a project titled ‘Dear Daughters’ to start a conversation among fathers and daughters about feminism
Tough subject: Sham said: ‘We really wanted to hear men talk on the question of feminism and women’s rights and the role of a woman in the society’
‘We thought a good place to start was with fathers who have daughters, because it might be easier for them to empathize with their young daughter so they could kind of learn through them.’
This was all done through a board game, specially designed by their daughter Penelope and her parents, to help the father-daughter duos ease into the topics of feminism and women’s rights.
Starter questions included: ‘What do you think you’ll be doing when you’re 25?’ and ‘What was life like when you were a kid?’
As the game continued, they had to answer more challenging questions such as ‘What do you think the phrase, “Boys will be boys” suggests?’ or, ‘Pretend you’re in Congress and come up with a new law about women’s rights.’
These were tough topics to discuss with a young daughter but a discussion that needed to happen regardless because it helped dads to see the world from their daughter’s perspective.
Learning through their daughters: The photographers thought it would be easier for the fathers to empathize with their young daughter
Talking with a board game: Sham and Marzia used a board game to help the father-daughter duos ease into the topics of feminism
Their daughter’s perspective: Hearing their daughters answer the questions helped them see the world through their view
But at other times, the fathers were left explaining a harsh truth to their child that focused on the unfairness that the world holds for some people especially in terms of stereotyping – a word that needed explanation for some of the girls.
Eventually, Sham and Penelope had a go with game which was still an eye-opening experience despite the two being very close and concerned about women’s rights.
‘It felt good to have this kind of frank discussion with her. We always delegate those kinds of conversations to the mom,’ he told Glamour.
‘But if we do put ourselves in that place as dads, it can strengthen our relationship with our kids. And I think that putting men in women’s shoes for a while—that’s how we get them on board with the movement for equality.’
Sham, Marzia and Penelope hope to further the project with more fathers and daughters from across the country and to publish a book with their in depth conversations and portraits.
A harsh truth: Some of the dads had to explain unfairness and stereotyping to their daughter
Expanding the project: Sham and Marzia want the project to grow to other fathers and daughters around the country