Clarks shoes are after coming under fire for “sexism” accusations after naming a girls’ shoe range “Dolly Babe” and a boys’ range “Leader”.
This occurred last week when Jemma Moonie-Dalton was shopping for school shoes for her twin girls and could not believe the differences in how the company targeted young boys compared to girls. She took to Facebook to call out Clarks and her post was instantly echoed with over 46,000 likes and 7,000 comments. What messages are you giving to my daughter? That she doesn’t deserve shoes that put her on equal ‘footing’ with her male peers? she said.
Many people were outraged by how Clarks marketing including Miranda Williams, a mother of two who also took to social media in disgust of Clarks sexism.
Looking at school shoes from @clarksshoes – appalled to find a Dolly Babe range for girls but a Leader range for boys @EverydaySexism
— Miranda Williams (@M_Williams07) August 6, 2017
The offending shoes – before they disappear from your website. pic.twitter.com/WYvETanJqa
— Miranda Williams (@M_Williams07) August 6, 2017
— Miranda Williams (@M_Williams07) August 6, 2017
First Minister for Scotland, Ms Sturgeon also used the platform to voice her disgust saying: “It is almost beyond belief that in 2017 a major company could think this is in any way acceptable. Shows what we are still up against.”
It is almost beyond belief that in 2017 a major company could think this is in any way acceptable. Shows what we are still up against. https://t.co/3C7Nop8o1E
— Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) August 13, 2017
Since this controversy sparked, Clarks has released a statement saying that the “Dolly Babe” shoe has been removed from sale “following customer feedback regarding the name” and added: “We are working hard to ensure our ranges reflect our gender neutral ethos and we apologise for any unintended offence caused.”
