Breaking gender stereotypes through play
Gender roles still quietly shape the worlds children imagine for themselves.
Motivated by a shared vision, we formed a voluntary collective of designers, educators, and developers in 2022 to design a game that introduces kids aged 3–6 to professions, fostering creativity, skills, and equality.
Pepupo is where play meets possibility, opening doors to a future free from stereotypes.
Many parents grew up with messages pushing girls toward beauty and service, and boys toward power and leadership, leaving little room for vulnerability or care.
Now, they want something different for their kids. Yet, children today still absorb subtle gender stereotypes from media, toys, and daily life. Breaking these patterns starts with awareness and the right tools early on.
I explored parents' concerns about gender stereotypes and their educational goals
I observed children interacting with existing apps and toys
Creating an app for 3- to 6-year-olds means understanding their world.
80%
of young children engage better with interactive, story-driven content that sparks curiosity while aiding learning.
at age
4
children's perceptions of gender roles are already forming, influencing how they see themselves and others.
We crafted stories, games, and activities with diverse characters with a focus on challenging gender stereotypes, sparking curiosity and promoting gender equality.
We started by conceptualizing the app's core features and content, focusing on simplicity, interactivity, and age-appropriate design to cater to the needs of young children.
Visuals
The average amount of time a child spends using the app in one session.
Qualitative feedback from parents about how engaged their child seems while using the app.
The percentage of games that children successfully complete within the app.
The amount of time spent on particular features or activities within the app.
The percentage of users who return to the app after their first session.