After Dua Lipa released her recent song “Boys Will Be Boys” in which she talks about what it’s like being a girl having to “avoid confrontation from men”, the singer has now opened up about female equality at work.
“I often will speak up about female equality, especially in the workplace, but this song is talking about the personal experiences and growing pains of what it’s like to be a woman”, the 24-year-old revealed in the August issue of ELLE UK. She’s explained that in “Boys Will Be Boys” she has addressed a situation many young girls have experienced before: The fear about wearing a certain outfit because of the reaction by men it will cause. “We’ve all tried to avoid confrontation, or worn something we didn’t really want to wear in order to protect ourselves. We’ve all been like, ‘Oh, I can’t bear the idea of wearing this short dress and then hopping on public transport to get to the party.’”
She continues to explain that it’s not only the outfit that’s making many young girls uncomfortable at some point. “I’ve spoken to my friends, and they’ve all done the same things, whether it’s holding keys between your knuckles or pretending you’re on the phone while walking alone at night.”
“I always speak up about female equality and gender equality in general and female rights, but it was very important for me to put something in the album that's close to my heart, that would make other women feel seen and feel heard.“ – @DUALIPA on “Boys Will Be Boys“ [@SCMPNews]
— Dua Lipa Hungary (@dualipahungary) April 5, 2020
The singer is hoping that she can take part in important conversations about what behaviour society is willing to accept and what the reason for it is. One thing is giving her hope: That some men are being held accountable for their actions. “t’s a massive wake-up call to people all around the world that no one is invincible, and no one is untouchable”, Lipa said.
Until then, she’s doing her best. In a recent interview with GQ in May, the “Break My Heart” singer has said that she’d like to work with more female producers in the future, because an all-male studio environment can be intimidating for young artists. She hasn’t worked with any female producer on her recent album “Future Nostalgia”. “I just, in all honesty, don’t know very many. And I really wish I did, because I would really take the time to sit down and hone in a sound with women.”
Who knows, with the ongoing lockdown there might be some girls out their exploring their love for producing, so maybe next time you’ll have the chance, Dua.
