OPINION: 'Girl Dads' are a symbol of exactly how society should be.

We need to talk about #girldads.

Now, just to be clear, not every father with a daughter is a #girldad. The hashtag going viral on TikTok refers to a very specific kind of dad-of-daughter/s. The #girldads aren't just proud of their gals – they're actively involved in trying to make the world a better, more equal place for women.

They're pretty special. Not just because of the cute little tea parties or the wholesome trips to Disneyland (although that doesn't hurt). But more so because #girldads are a reflection of how society should be. 

Love a dad joke? Here are a few cracker classics to get around ahead of Father's Day. Story continues after post.

Where did the #girldads come from?

The original #girldad: Kobe Bryant with his wife and daughters. Image: Getty.

The phrase is now commonly used to refer to dads with an intimate and special connection with their daughters and the hashtag alone has 10.6 billion views on TikTok.

Who are the #GirlDads getting it right?

Image: Instagram.

Bruce Willis' name is practically synonymous with the words #girldad. The longtime actor has five daughters: Rumer, 35, Scout, 32, and Rumer, 29, who he shares with ex-wife Demi Moore; as well as 11-year-old Mabel 11 and nine-year-old Evelyn, who he shares with current wife, Emma Heming. 

In 2021, Heming posted an Instagram video questioning whether he'd like a son, to which he replied, "I'd have five more girls right now"

But Bruce isn't the only one contending for the ultimate girl dad title. 

Image: Instagram.

What's the impact of #GirlDads?

The movement has no doubt had a positive impact on society, contributing to the dismantling of gender norms and the fostering of healthier father-daughter relationships. 

But the impact isn't exclusive to fathers and their daughters, it's far-reaching and can lighten the mental load of mothers in the equation.

As gender roles evolve, more fathers are engaging in nurturing and empathetic parenting, which allows men to explore their softer sides. The result? A much needed cultural shift, one that prioritises bonding over outdated stereotypes.

To celebrate Father's Day tell us about your favourite #girldad moments in the comments below!

Image: Instagram @Johnlegend/@therock

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