Gender Sensitization In Schools Sociology Essay

Published Date: 23 Mar 2015

In view of the increasing role of women in public life and the efforts of the government in the direction of universalisation of education, the question of gender sensitization has assumed greater importance. Most Schools have become co-educational these days where boys and girls interact with students and teachers of the opposite sex. The physical proximity of the girls and boys has made interaction free and unrestrained. Reports of gender discrimination, sexual harassment, and other forms of sexually objectionable behaviour are quite common in Indian educational institutions. Numerous reasons can be forwarded behind such behaviour. We have to see the larger picture if we want to address this issue. Gender discrimination cannot be treated in isolation as it has its roots in deeper problems, which plague our society.

The Indian society is still in the process of modernisation where sections of the population continue to have traditional mindsets. The traditional Indian thinking considers males as superior to females and there are plenty of examples to show that young girls are discriminated against at home. Statistical evidence shows that boys in India have three times greater possibility of being taken to the hospital in case of a serious ailment. In many poor Indian houses males are fed first and the left - overs are eaten by the females. The dropout rate in Schools is much higher in case of girls. The scenario is even more grim in rural India where parents prefer to send the boy child to school and keep the girl child at home to assist in household work or to work in any other income-generating activity. This discrimination at home weakens the personality of women in general and they look upon themselves as inferior to men right from childhood. At the same time, boys are made to believe that they are inherently superior to females. Most boys and girls attend schools loaded with this mental baggage. The indoctrination received at home compounded by the already existing social differentiation between males and females give rise to attitudes in the male folk, which are far from egalitarian.

Though our constitution clearly proclaims equality of men and women in all spheres of public and private life yet it is not so in practice. Among the vast sections of the population groveling in illiteracy, concepts like gender equality are unheard of. Even in the so-called modern and affluent Indian houses gender discrimination may be discernible in some form or the other. Unless the economic standard of the country improves, girls may continue to be considered as burden of the family and gender sensitization may remain elusive. However, greater stress on education of females especially in rural India will definitely reduce the gender gap as education equips a person with courage to fight against discrimination.

The general moral debasement of our society is also responsible for disrespect for women. If the morality of the child improves then he will display greater respect for women and cases of sexual abuse or assault in educational institutions will reduce. In the modern times, earning money has become the prime motive of man and the child is imbued with the same zeal. Teachers, guardians and educational institutions are geared at academic advancement as it is considered as a sure way to success in life. Success in life is equated with earning money. When the primary goal of education becomes moneymaking then moral values definitely take a back seat in schools and colleges. Cases of sexual misconduct in schools are a direct result of the failure of guardians and teachers in inculcating moral values in children. Though, students are taught moral values as part of the curriculum yet it is done in a perfunctory manner. Inculcation of moral values in children has to be done in a very systematic manner by narration of stories with moral overtones. Such narration should be done to students at a very young age by a conscientious teacher. This needs to be followed up even in the middle and senior levels in schools. Moral uprightness should be lauded so that the seeds of moral values planted in children at a young age take firm roots. Teachers and guardians have to take a joint responsibility in this regard. They must understand that they can act as catalysts in bringing about a change in children's mindsets and in society in general. The behaviour of teachers cannot be considered to be above board and they are often found to be behaving immorally. Sadly, enough schools are also not very careful in the recruitment of teachers. Most private schools operate as business houses and the sole concern is to earn money. Thus, the noble motive of imparting man-making education is lost.

Schools have to be more vigilant and careful in providing good-quality education and should provide proper care to the child. Only then can we expect children to grow strong academically, physically and morally. Schools should provide sufficient scope for engaging the child's mind in various pursuits beyond the pale of academics so that their abundant energies may be diverted in creative activities. This would naturally curb the negative tendencies in children who are likely to develop a more positive attitude towards others. Students should be involved in-group activities involving both the sexes so that the curiosity and inhibitions regarding the opposite sex end. Cases of sexual misconduct within the school should be identified and dealt with strictly. The guilty, have to be counseled or punished depending on the severity of the case. The students including both boys and girls should be enlightened about the essential equality of all human beings irrespective of caste, creed, race or gender. Teachers should treat the students in a humane manner so that the students also behave likewise while dealing with their peers. Right attitudes have to be developed in the students so that they abstain from any kind of objectionable behaviour . Students can also act in groups helping each other to thwart the attempt of any abuser.

Teachers in schools should be ready to act as aids in helping students deal with such situations. Guidance by NGOs engaged in this field can also help to train children in tackling such situations. The schools should act in close collaboration with the guardians as the students receive the first impressions of life at home itself and ideas formed at the formative stages of life continue to linger in the later stages also.

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Gender Sensitization in Schools

By Moushumi Ghoshal

Motilal Nehru School of Sports

Rai, Sonipat

The issue of gender sensitization has taken gargantuan proportions due to a national crisis which shook the nation to its core at the beginning of the year. The incident which was referred to as the 'Delhi Gang rape' left the issue of women's safety split wide open, putting a question-mark over the attitude of the average Indian male in terms of his behavior with the opposite sex. Educational institutions must accept their share of the responsibility since the issue at hand is largely ignored, and often swept under the carpet, by private and govt. schools alike. Govt. policy on this issue too is vague and reactionary, leaving schools with no clear directives as to what is expected of them.

The first major concern of the society should be the formulation of clear cut laws which ensure women of a gender-sensitive environment in their workplace. The primary step taken, it then must ensure that schools are made the chosen vehicle to spread the message so that the society does not only have to take punitive measures, rather the desired aim is inculcated in the youth. Gender sensitization must be made part of the teacher-training programme so that all the aspects are well-ingrained in the teachers to pass on to the students.

More than at the senior or college level, gender related issues must be addressed at the primary level, so that young children growing up together may look upon each other as friends and partners rather than persons with whom no interaction was acceptable. Making children sit in small mixed groups and encouraging pair work/group work/project and activities in which there is a judicious mix of both boys and girls would make the children look on each other as just another student, rather than feeling shy of each other, which may lead to embarrassment, in articulation, a sense inadequacy in dealing with them and a feeling that they are "different".

Another important step would be to make community service a vital part of the school curriculum. This would become the basis for moving towards a kinder and more compassionate society which reacts to gender issues with sensitivity and understanding. Community service helps to hone the finer qualities of a human being while also highlighting the joys of helping and working together.

One important aspect which must not be ignored is the treatment meted out to those who flout the accepted norms of gender-sensitive behavior. Keeping in view the fact that we are dealing with children at the formative age, it is vital that we do not alienate the offender; rather we try to bring him into the mainstream by counseling and an assurance of continued support in his guest to improve upon his behavior. Censure, public ridicule and a harsh punishment such as expulsion may bring about an entirely opposite result, further alienating the child. It must be assumed that certain children will take a long time to overcome gender issues, given the chauvinistic environment in most Indian homes. The key would be to press on resolutely rather than crack the whip.

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Gender Sensitization in Schools

Kavitha Nair

Senior Secondary Teachers

Muljibhai Mehta International School

Gokul Township, Virar (W)

Gender sensitization refers to mental process of an individual when he or she comes in contact with individual of opposite gender. The thought process of an individual is always different for each gender."Gender sensitization" the word evoke a mixed reaction in the mind depending where you are from 'cities' or 'villages' .The city bred youth think that girls are being given more than their due and from the village they are so insensitive to the need of a girl child that it is natural for them to think that a girl is subservient to a boy.

The significance of gender sensitizing, gender equality to the development is widely recognized globally accounting the various efforts by governments, civil society and development agencies in the holistic development. For the past few days all our mainline news channels and news papers have been reporting the growing atrocities against women across India .The ever existing issues of low sex ratio, female infanticide, denial of education to girls, dowry and the likes haunt us everyday .Crime against women are increasing at an alarming rate. It is surprising that 'educated' young men commit a lot of these crimes.

Nevertheless wherever you are from the need of being sensitive to the need of a girl is imperative and important. That does not mean that you should be insensitive to the needs of a boy but a girl requires a little more care as after the age of thirteen .She undergoes a lot of change physically as well as emotionally .When the kids are young that is before the age of ten, both boys and girls play with each other with no thought about gender differentiation .But as they start reaching adolescence parents , teachers ,friends and society keeps reminding them about gender differences. This creates the first seed of gender discrimination. A girl start with her menstrual cycle and a boy has certain changes in his body that he 'starts' becoming aware a girl as a 'girl'. Boys and girls both show the traits of rowdiness, jealousy, camaraderie and infatuation in certain cases.

To Educate A Child Holistically (TEACH) is why a teacher is needed. A teacher is the best person to explain to the child various topics to the adolescent like the need of gender sensitization so as to be aware of the needs of each other.

How can a Teacher / school be helpful?

Many governments have achieved significant levels of success in reducing the gender gap in enrollment by increasing the enrolment of girls. Various programmes were included for the improvement of girls access, retention and performance like:-

Building schools close to the homes to provide safety and security for girls.

Flexible time table for subsistent activities.

Establishing community libraries.

Provision for separate toilets for boys and girls including proper bathroom facilities, sanitary ware and privacy related to management of menstruation for girls.

Proper rules against sexual harassment and sexual violence.

These issues can be dealt in the school level by using a very effective tool for gender sensitization like:

School to provide a value based approach in handling one's sensuality.

For gender sensitization the ideal age group should be 12 to 15 years as in this age the children learn to differentiate a good touch and a bad touch.

Senior teachers, doctors, psychiatrist and child psychologist are ideal teachers because they know how to convey the point.

The delivery of a good gender sensitizing programmes can be more effective if interactive learning methodologies like debates, discussions, games, role play included in the session.

Over the years on the need of gender responsive teaching and learning materials, textbooks have many examples of gender stereotypes. As a matter of fact the teachers who were using these textbooks were not aware that there was anything wrong in the textbook. For curriculum setting teacher's contribution is essential.

Well researched interesting audio video content on gender sensitization can reach out to the children, either through computer lab or through audio visual rooms.

Proper language should be used by the teachers in the class rooms. A healthy teacher student interaction should be carried.

As we are all social animals it is the responsibility of each and every individual to realize the duties with respect to the problems pertaining to the gender sensitization .Even after 6 decades of independence one frequently read about bride burning and dowry death. Therefore it is the prime responsibility of our education system to teach the child to discuss his thoughts, action and deeds. Education should help him or her to take right decisions in the right direction.

Teacher training must be necessary including training skills for children otherwise attainment of quality education and achievement of MILLENIUM DEVELOPMENTS GOALS and for gender equality for education as a whole will for a long time remain an illusion.

(106)

Gender Sensitization

Mrs Rukhsar Tanveer .Shaikh

Pre Primary section.

D.A.V Public school, Airoli

Till December 16, I had assumed that I am living in a state where sweet river flows, birds chirp, a cool air blows swiftly, nature around me is so beautiful and I am like an independent human being, where I have my self-esteem, dignity, respect and an identity as a woman. In a fraction of second, everything has got shattered, shaken and uprooted as if a tsunami, Katrina or torrential rain swept away. I was in a state of shock; I was not able to express my anger, frustration, sadness, pain. Now my soul is lost and only my body remains. Now I am scared, yes, it's true because I am woman and above all I am blessed with a beautiful daughter Damini.

I get shivers as this name is given to that brave girl who has fought for her life till her last breath. I can feel a pain. Suddenly I became an educator because I have started educating every child and of course I can't forget my own daughter. I have observed that adolescents are still not aware what has happened and if we, as a part of society will not take a drastic step to educate them, our soul will be lost for ever.

Every one of us is playing a vital role in our field. But we need to sow a seed by educating not only girl or boy but every citizen of our country. As a parent if I am guiding only my child, is that enough? Will crime stop forever? We should not forget the root. Each and every member of the society must be aware, educated, enlightened and imbibed with the roles, duties and responsibilities.

First of all we have to understand that in our journey we have to go to different stages i.e. infant, childhood, adolescence, adulthood and old age. As a teacher I have an opportunity to interact with kids. I am nurturing the age group of 3.5 to 5.5 years. That doesn't mean that I can't inculcate values at this age.

I have taken initiative by making children aware of what good touch is and what bad touch is. And they must not allow any stranger or an unknown person in a society, bus, school, and road or on any occasion or festivals to misbehave. As a teacher we can narrow the bridge by making strong bond of friendships. Children either speak out to their parents or a teacher who is very close to their heart. With kids, also we need to orient parents to keep an eagle eye on their kids when they are playing in the society, mall, or school. Guide them through stories, discussions questioning and dramatization or puppets.

To inculcate values in adolescence is the next step by giving our students responsibility, awareness, alertness, by taking precautions and self defense.

Positive Attitude We all go through some bad phases. Children at this age, when are frustrated at home,. they tend to get isolated and get involved in bad company, bad habits and make hell of their life. If we sow a seed of positive thinking through seminars, workshops, or half an hour talk we can overcome negative feeling and help them lead a positive life. We can make a difference and we can make them a positive human being. A positive human being with a positive mind will never do wrong and will never encourage wrong deeds, because he is aware of the consequences and understands what is right or wrong.

Awareness adolescence goes through many stages. But life has its own turmoil. A child goes through many crises. Some parents are separated, some have financial problem, some have drunken father who beats his/her mother daily. Some do not have even the basic necessities of life. We teachers as moderators must encourage them to read news paper. And not just the headlines. It is our duty to help children read, understand and give their opinion. Through a healthy discussion between a teacher and a student, it is the role of a teacher to identify if there is any negativity and talk to the child. We can also take guidance from school counselor. Make them aware by involving them through street play, through workshop, of their responsibility. While talking there shouldn't be any gender bias but equal respect and responsibilities. And help them understand to deal with crises.

Alertness we must help them understand that they have to be alert all the time. And for that they should not use mobiles, or listen to music by putting earplugs while they are out of school or while walking. They have to be alert while interacting with strangers at home or in society. And if they feel wrong gestures, they must immediately report to teacher or parents. Children must be updated and made aware of all the numbers i.e. of ambulance, police station, of parents, relatives and neighbours.

Self defense Help them learn the art of self defense. And remember every martial art has a rule to follow and we should use it when in trouble and not to trouble others.

Same conditions are applied for adulthood and old age. A worse situation can be faced by any one of us. But if we are aware, alert, with positive feeling and self defense we can make this world a better place to live in

I believe in ''practice what you preach''. All these are within my reach. I am doing my bit. Have you done yours?

(107)

Gender Sebsitisation in Schools

Shikha Sharma,

Lecturer,

Dept. Of Education,

C.C.S. University Campus,

Meerut

INTRODUCTION -

Around the world gender is the primary division between people. Gender consists of whatever traits a group considers proper for its males and females. Gender stratification means males and females unequal access to power, prestige, property on the basis of sex. No matter what we attain in life we are labelled as male or female. These labels carry images and expectations about how we should act. From birth right till death gender has a hand in shaping human feelings , thoughts and actions. Children quickly learn that society defines males and females as different kinds of people by the age of three. Gender affects how we think of ourselves , also it teaches us to act in a normative way. Gender roles are attitudes and activities that a society links to each sex. You learn your gender as you are socialized into the behavior and attitudes thought appropriate for your sex. The sociological significance of gender is that it is a device by which society controls its members.

Society expects males to be ambitious and competitive ,play sports and assume positions of leaderships. Females are expected to be deferential, emotional, supportive helpers and quick to cry. We expect them to be passive and emotional while males are expected to be independent and active. This perception of parents, communities and even policy makers is the root cause of social discrimination of girls. In most of societies girls and women are considered to be inferior to men. Girls are treated as a liability. Education of girls is a waste of scarce resources. This is because our social norms are built around the belief that girls only have a domestic role in the household economy. She does not provide for the family but only is a consumer. Her use is only as a potential child bearer and rearer . Parents believe that -

-Girls education has no relevance for her future life

-If girls are educated they get ideas of equality.

-When they invest in a girl's education there are no returns.

Discrimination against women began centuries ago. This discrimination begins at home when a girl is born and in some cases even before she is born resulting in female foeticide. There are dietary insufficiencies both qualitative as well as quantitative. Girls are more often undernourished than boys. Everywhere there is male patriarchy where male dominates females. Throughout the modern world the portrayal of women and the image associated with them is that of a docile, beautiful creation in need of protection and care. This impression has been passed on from generation to generation through social norms. Women are expected to be submissive, obedient and humble individuals who have to play multiple roles of daughter, sister, wife , mother , daughter-in-law etc with perfection. An ideal women is one who does not raise voice or go against the wishes of the male members of the family. From early childhood she is trained to lead a life dependent on others and if she does not do so she is considered bold, immoral and therefore should be punished. This is evident from the rise in violence against women who have dared to challenge male domination.

ROLE OF SOCITEY-

Gender consiousness starts very early in life with the kind of roles one is expected to play. Girls help their mothers in household work and boys help by doing odd jobs outside. Girls are taught that their whole life revolves around their home. This image is further strengthened when an ideal gift for girl's is dolls and cars and guns for boys. This carries forward the role society expects each one of them to play. Girls should remain at home caring and looking after every need of the family members whereas boys should be more aggressive and outgoing. Major and healthy portion of the food is kept for the male members of the family. In case of scarce resources it is the girl who has to make all the sacrifices. This is the price she has to pay for the security she is assured of by the male members which is the basic spirit behind various festivals like Raksha bandhan.

SCHOOLS-

This gender consiousness unfortunately is further strengthened in schools when we quickly label a boy who is crying as sissy or acting like a girl. Even in subject selection this consiousness is so overpowering that girls usually opt for fine arts, home science or biology. Maths is generally for boys. Girls going in for medical profession usually specialize in Gynecology, Paediatrics or physiotherapy; rarely do we find female cardiologist or oncologists. This biasness is found in every field - in Engineering it is computers and electronics for girls , Civil and mechanical is for boys. In M.B.A. girls usually go in for Marketing and HRD whereas Sales is for boys. Tradition fosters gender aspirations in their students by encouraging females to choose occupations in consonant with future husbands and children. Our society still defines high paying profession and the drive & competitiveness needed to succeed in them as masculine.

Again when we look at the world of sports here also feminine and less aggressive games are for girls like badminton ,tennis, swimming or athletics .Sports like Cricket, football are more popular with boys although female teams for such sports exist but they are not so popular. Girls usually are left for cheerleading to boost and motivate their male counterparts. Although there are exceptions like Alka Tomar, Mary Kom who have made a mark for themselves in such allegedly manly sports like wrestling and boxing. This discrimination in the field of sports is a world wide phenomena. This creates a prejudiced image on the impressionable young minds and which they carry with themselves for the rest of their lives. Whenever they encounter an image which clashes with their established views there is conflict which we are witnessing in the varied forms of violence and atrocities on women these days.

MEASURES -

Thus, gender sensitization is needed in every sphere of our lives be it schools, society, peer groups etc. This stereotyped image needs a complete overhaul especially the one depicted in our movies. But it should begin at the very grass root levels when the young mind begins to take shape i.e. at school. Because school is the second home of the child .It should begin from the very basic. They should be taught that girls or boys are not different .They are just two separate individuals who might be physically different but this physical difference should not guide their behaviour. Children should be taught to respect each others feelings and accept each others capabilities.

Image associated with what types of games one can play should also be broken. Girls should be encouraged to take up subjects for which they have aptitudes and which they want to pursue even if it goes against conventions. Stereotypes must be broken and children should be encouraged to do what their heart desire and not be deterred by the dictates of the society. Choice of a career should be their own decision and it should not be affected by what the society expects them to do.

Gender sensitivity should be made a part of the curriculum. The students should be made aware about the contribution of the females in the development of the society and how the two sexes can co-exist. Merely worshipping her as a goddess is not sufficient; she should be treated with respect and as a thinking individual. The society has to realize the immense potential they are wasting by denying equal status and opportunities to girls.

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Gender Sensitization in Schools

Charul Mahendru

PGT (English)

DPS Rohini

Rohini, Sector 24 Delhi-110085

Wherever women are honored, there the gods are pleased - The Code of Manu (Manuscripts)

We live in an advanced society. Having enslaved even the most dangerous animals, we proudly live in the territories that once belonged to these 'wild beasts.' We have invented machines to make our lives easier and work faster. The world has shrunk and we plan to set up colonies on the moon! We have become more advanced as compared to our 'barbaric ancestors.' Man surely has come a long way from his hunter gathering stage.

However the position of women in society has changed little. Every day, newspapers are replete with the news of rape, molestation, domestic-violence or any other such crime against women. Girl students have the highest dropout rate in the rural areas, there is discrimination related to the salary earned by women especially in the rural areas. Women are subjected to discrimination at every stage in their life.

Statistics reveal that there are 65.5% literate women in India as compared to 82.1% males. 26.1% of women form the workforce in rural India as compared to 54.7% of men. The average salary of women in rural areas in 2009-10 was Rs.155.87 and that of the men was Rs.249.15. A total of 24,270 cases of crime against women were reported in India in 2011. The recent rape case of Nirbhaya has yet again revealed the sorry state of women in our modern society.

Is it the same India where women are worshipped as goddesses? In our culture the figure of Ardhnarishwara or half man and half woman is revered and worshipped. The Ardhnarishwara, in a way is a symbol of equality of the sexes, of the fact that both sexes are equally significant and none is less than the other. This is our culture that treats both sexes as equals. However, we, who take pride in our rich heritage and in the culture of revering womanhood, are slipping into the morass of depravity. All doesn't seem well in man's paradise.

This wasn't the case in the hunter gathering society. There was no male supremacy over women as there was almost a division of labour between the sexes. Men did most of the hunting and women did most of the gathering. (Chris Harman: A People's History of the World). Industrialization brought with it new ways of production which created new relations between the sexes. The man strengthened his position as the bread earner and the role of women was reduced to child bearing and rearing of the family. Gradually women were thrust into a position of dependence and subordination to men. This led to the great divide and women were no longer treated as equals.

In order to bring women at par with their male counterparts, the need of the hour is to instill ender Sensitization among the youth. Gender Sensitization can be defined as the modification of behavior and instilling empathy into the views that we hold about our own and the other sex. It helps people in examining their personal attitudes and beliefs and questioning the realities they thought they know. Since home and school influence a child's development the most, it becomes imperative that such training begins from here to nip the problem in the bud.

There are several ways in which we can instill gender sensitivity among our students. Morning assemblies can be organized to promote gender equality. Skits, debates, street plays and panel discussions can also be conducted to sensitize the students to this issue of national importance. Not only this, the subject of gender equality could be integrated with the subjects. Students can be asked to carry out surveys to assess the prevalence of gender inequality, for eg. students can be asked to find out the names of some famous Indian women physicists/ mathematicians. Apart from this, value education classes can also act as a handy tool to motivate students to respect everyone irrespective of sex. A meeting with parents can be organized by the Principal in order to teach them to set a good example of gender equality in front of their children. School counselors must take up this issue and address children. The knowledge about human sexuality must be imparted to all the students. Adolescent Education Programmes should be made a part of the school curriculum. Gender equality must be the objective of any Adolescent Education Programme. Students must be taught to use this information responsibly. Children must be made aware of their rights and must be taught to respect each other. Girl students in particular must be trained in self defence.

Father of the Nation Mahatma Gandhi rightly remarked, 'Woman is the companion of man, gifted with equal mental capacities. She has the right to participate in every minutest detail in the activities of man and she has an equal right of freedom and liberty with him.' It's time we gave women their due and respect them for their efforts because when the women in India will be able to walk safely at night only then will India be able to attain full freedom.

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Gender sensitization in Schools

Mrs. N Shesha Prasad

PGT English

Kendriya Vidyalaya AFS Begumpet,

Hyderabad (AP)

Woman has Man in it;

Mrs. has Mr. in it;

Female has Male in it;

She has He in it;

Is what every man tells the women in his life be it his mother, sister, wife or daughter implying of a woman's inability to survive without the presence of a man in her life. Such prejudiced views have been responsible for the air of superiority of the male population and the lack of confidence and insecurity of female population. The woman who fights tooth and nail for equal status in her childhood and youth is the first one to unconsciously start the gender discrimination after becoming a mother. Preference for a male offspring, indulging the male child, encouraging unruly behaviour with a prejudiced eye and inhibiting the freedom and rights of the girl child is a common story of every household. The highest of high education has not been able to cure women of this acceptance of the male superiority. Even the most educated women are also guilty of gender discrimination of some degree. Men on the other hand tend to treat daughters, sisters and wives as if they are delicate daisies and teach the boys to be rough and tough macho men. Is it a wonder then, if the men grow up with a "machoistic" attitude and women learn to accept their weak status and resign themselves to play second fiddle to men?

Gender Discrimination is root cause of all the indignities and injustices that women take in their stride silently or lay down their arms against the atrocities without a fight. Gender discrimination is the root cause that all men trample over women and smother their individualities and freedom. So eliminating it at the grass root level and introducing Gender Sensitization in the schools might lead to more positive and healthier attitude towards self and the opposite sex. So Gender Sensitization is definitely is the order of the day and the immediate requirement of the modern curriculum.

Gender Discrimination in the existing curriculum

"What is your father's name?" or "What does your father do?" are the questions that a child is asked in his Preschool interview hinting the significance of a father's role in his/her life and his superiority over his mother. "What did your mother make for breakfast?" limits the domain of mother to the kitchen. With such a damaging beginning can we really blame the children for their twisted priorities?

Pictures showing women washing clothes, men lifting weights mark men and women in to different moulds. Many of our lessons in the Primary are gender biased in varying degrees in various subjects.

Mathematical sums like- your father earns 50000 rupees out of which he spends 25000 and saves the rest. How much does he save? Or explaining scientific concepts like observe your mother preparing rotis and figure out why do they rise on heating? What is the scientific principle behind it? Tendencies like this cast men and women in rigid concrete moulds which they can neither break nor get out of. So the child unconsciously casts mothers and fathers in stereotype roles. Our poetry is so damaging for the young impressionable minds casting men as the symbols of courage and strength and women as the epitomes of sacrifices and the fountains of love and patience.

Similarly, the study of language in the middle years of schooling assists a child in earmarking jobs on the basis of gender. A lady doctor and a male nurse are blatant assault on the gender sensitization with the categorization that doctors are usually men and nurses are women.

In the higher studies nothing can be more damaging than our own Shakespeare's famous Quotation- "Fraility-thy name is woman" or prescribing "A Scarlet letter" in the syllabus. Most of the poetry in the Indian languages are terribly gender biased.

Talking about female foeticide and female infanticide in the lower classes, exposing the students to issues dealing with injustice to the girl child, dowry problem might cause more harm than help. These topics are best introduced in the higher classes when the children have already been gender sensitized.

Gender sensitized Curriculum

Such gender discrimination can be overcome by a simple change in the strategy. Instead of asking a pre-schooler for his father's name we can ask him for his parents' names without asserting any one parent's superiority. Or whose cooking does he prefer-father's or mother's?

Judicious selection of photographs for acquainting children with various professions and division of labour would curtail the issue of gender discrimination to some extent.

Rephrasing the mathematical sums using a balanced combination of male female names with similar profession and using the neuter gender for scientific concepts like- why does a roti rise on heating? Will lead towards a better Gender sensitized Curriculum

Carefully selected literary texts that are gender sensitive and focus on the equality of both the sexes and a conscious effort of using the neuter gender in teaching language and linguistic items will promote gender sensitization.

Attitude of the teachers

In spite of the habits and mind sets the teachers (especially in the lower classes) should choose their language and thought processes with care. Asking the boys to help with the furniture and the girls to take up the decoration, suggesting sewing, and cooking classes to the girls, carpentry, and electrical classes to the boys might start the discrimination process. Instead the teacher could involve a mixed group for all the jobs without any discrimination and deal with students individually regarding their hobbies might be more positive.

Debates/speeches/ seminars/ extempore/essay writing could deal with topics that do not in any way suggest superiority/inferiority of one sex over the other. Regular lectures on the interdependence of men and women on each other, mutual cooperation to complement each other's plus points might develop a healthy respect for other sex.

Value Education classes on morality, self-control and a sense of justice and fair play and a dislike of demeaning, exploiting or ill-treating the less fortunate along with practical examples and implementation will also help. Articles on morals and values should be regular feature in Morning Assembly.

Most important of all the Maxim of 'Practice what you preach' is the magic mantra here. The teachers through their behaviour or attitude should instil gender sensitivity among the students.

Equality of the sexes in terms of strength, intelligence and abilities should be emphasised. Articles on how people are doomed by exploiting/underestimating the opposite sex should be taken up.

Men and women are the two sides of the same coin. One cannot be strong if the other is weak. Are you listening Mr Shakespeare?

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G. Lakshmi Hema Latha,

PGT

Bhashyam Blooms, Guntur

Gender- A fact of being male or female

Sensitize: - To make more aware of something bad.

This is the literal meaning of gender and sensitize as per dictionary. But probing into the happenings of today the meaning of "Gender Sensitization" is about changing behavior and instilling empathy into the views that we hold about our own and the other sex. It helps people in examining their personal attitudes and beliefs and questioning the realities they thought they know when the society tries to adopt something new there is every possibility that it has to pass through number of pangs and plights. Observe our society did our great grandparents, grandparents ever dream of inter caste marriage and inter religion marriage? The answer is "NO". But now a day it is quite common to come to this mind set accepting such type of marriages the society has faced number of ups and downs. Similarly to bring this generation to believe in gender equality and moral traditions is a herculean job.

In our society interaction between the opposite sex is frowned upon to cross this hurdle the Gender Sensitization process should start at school when the young minds are open and in a position to receive new and innovative ideas. Coming to school level in our school Bhashyam Blooms we encourage both girls and boys in the same level. We conduct debates discussions giving topics to boys against dowry , Education for girls so that they come to know more about the suffering of the girls any area we take up we see that both have the equal share which gives them a feeling that they are equal whether be it game and sports, cultural activities or academics. A boy should not feel that he has the upper hand in anything and feel that girls are equal competent to him we conduct self defense class for girls .

Through counseling classes we focus on respecting women "Where women are respected there Gods are pleased" is inculcated in the minds of young male child. No person is blind to aesthetic sensibility "A thing of beauty is a joy forever" Every male has a right to enjoy the beautiful creation of God but he has no right to destroy it or spoil it. A journey of 100 miles starts with a single step. Let us all put our energies (physical, mental) to make this program a success.

(111)

Gender Sensitization in Schools

Shailaja Chandran,

PGT (English),

St. Thomas Central School,

Mukkolakkal, Trivandrum

In the changing scenario of the modern world where men and women work together and interact in the professional, the social and the domestic front, gender equality is an essential criterion to be observed by responsible human beings. Gender sensitization is about making people aware of the need to bring about a quantum change in our mindset which sees man as the bread winner and woman as the house keeper. The home- bound woman of yester- years has metamorphosed into the smart, dynamic modern woman who is adept at balancing her professional and domestic lives. She has successfully carved a niche for herself in the scheme of things. Given the increasing number of women who work alongside with men for long hours in the professional field, the need of the hour is to develop a cordial and amiable working environment where there is mutual respect and trust between the sexes, without sexual innuendoes and obstructive chauvinism to mar the atmosphere. The foundation for this changing mindset should be laid right from childhood and that is why the school plays a pivotal role in gender sensitization.

The school being a miniature society, the first step of gender equality should begin at the school level. The safety of woman has been a matter of concern right from the days of yore. In the absence of effective legislation and punitive measures for the wrong doers, the safety of the girl child is a topic that plagues the mind of every parent. That is why we make a bee line for exclusive schools for boys and for girls, special seats reserved for women in buses, special compartments for ladies in trains etc. But in life, instead of such escapist tendencies to safe guard women, our effort should be to make the society and the country a safe and comfortable place for ladies as well as for men.

Many women who have inveigled themselves into key positions in society still feel insecure and find their positions precarious. Some are filled with extreme competitive spirit. 'What men can do, women can do better' is a motto that the modern woman is bent on proving over and over again. In the process she is unconsciously generating jealousy, inferiority complex and other negative emotions in men. This will do more harm than good. Right from the primary level, boys and girls should understand that though they have gender differences, both the male and the female species of human kind have an important and worthy role to play in the great drama of life. There should be healthy relationship based on respect, understanding and concern. In the matter of brain power, skill and talents, some may be superior or inferior but that has nothing to do with the gender.

Parents are to a great extent responsible for such discrimination. Right from a young age, they expect the girl child to conform to the role of the meek, submissive and lesser human being while the boy in the family gets away without punishment for his cruel pranks. The school provides the right environment to do away with such rigid social mores. The teacher takes the pride of place as mentor and guide, showing the child its place in society. The days of damsels in distress and knights in shining armour are over. Let us embolden our girls to stand their ground and fight for their rights. Let us sensitize our boys to the fact that a six pack is not all that defines masculinity and that brain power is mightier than brawn power. Value education should be a part of the school curriculum so that girls and boys can imbibe values and have an insight into the intricate fabric of society in which each has an important role to play. Let them understand that thoughtfulness, regard, respect and concern for others will pave the way for smoother running of society than aggressiveness, impudence and gross disregard for others' feelings.

As citizens of a democratic country, we cannot turn a blind eye to our duties and responsibilities to the society and the country. What happened to a hapless girl in the capital city on 16 Dec 2012 has given a jolt to the Indian psyche. It has made us wonder what could have turned ordinary people into such cruel beasts devoid of any humane qualities. Something has gone wrong with the very fabric of society which is bound to protect every one who comes within its frame work. It is worthy to note that it was the youth of India that took the initiative to voice their protests vehemently at the time. The youth of India, of which the student community is an integral part, is a force to reckon with. Since the future of India is being shaped in her class rooms, it is our duty, as educators, to carve a future for our youth wherein they can interact and work in an atmosphere of mutual respect and consideration. Let the class rooms be the work shops where young minds can learn the lessons of life with joy and comfort and gear up to work with devotion and live a wholesome life.

(112)

Adolescent Period a Challenge

Dhiraj Bhattacharjee

PGT (Commerce)

Gunanak Public School, Sec -21,

Rourkela, Odisha

"A positive environment is the only antidote to a negative environment".

A good academic environment is the key of success. Today with changed classroom teaching the directives of teaching also get changed when most of the students are not free to take huge assignments, study materials, project works and feel uncomfortable under the burden. Here the curriculum prescribed for different courses anticipate potential engagement of both students and teachers but the seriousness somehow lacking in the case when few students are not able to stand as according to the expectations of the concern class teachers. When a teacher not only act like an educationist but also as a psychologist to read unconscious minds inside the classroom, what they actually wants to convey but also at the same time to recognize brilliant minds who make a difference in academics and that entirely depends on years of teaching experience and his/her interactions with numerous students over a period of time. To control the study environment teacher should perform their exemplary roles.

Here a major question is why the students are lacking due concentration in class room while the serious teaching/lecture is going on or teachers are desperately trying to give their best to the students who are the immediate listeners but not remain attentive all the time. This may happen due to many reasons and one reason is adolescence phase which is the root cause of unavoidable stress. Actually study says the stress and depression are serious problems for many adolescence/teenagers now a day where 61 percent of the students are not depressed and seem to handle their problems in constructive ways and rest 39 percent suffers from mild to serve depression. Stress is characterized by feeling of tension, hidden worry, sadness and withdrawal that commonly last from a few hours to a few days. Depression is characterized by more extreme feelings of hopelessness, sadness, isolation, worry, withdrawal and worthlessness that last for uncertain period of time and immediate requires medical attentions.

Young people become stressed for many reasons. The most common of these were:

Certain break up in friendship.

Difference of opinion with parents

Problem with brother and sisters

Serious illness or injury of family member

Problem with classmates

Adolescent is a difficult time in the lives of young people both for themselves and their educator, parents and teachers. This period is normally associated with conflict, turmoil and tension. The few common diseases held responsible for stress and depression are as below:

Common Behavioral Disorders

One of the common behavioral problems characterised by hostility, defiance and opposition is known as Oppositional Defiance Disorders. An adolescent who has ODD (Oppositional Defiance Disorders) are very less or no control in anger, argumentative, unreasonable, pessimistic, bad temper in nature. It is said that this kind of behavior starts much before the child reaches his/her adolescence stage. At first, the child will behave in this way only at home, however soon it will extend to the school and also towards his peer group.

Another factor held responsible for changed behavior of child is ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders), common among the adolescent/teenagers. This is a type of learning disorder characterized by poor attention in classroom and gradually that affects his/her academic performance, along with learning problems. The child may also suffer from problems like hyperactivity; impulsive behavior etc. and many times are not taken seriously by the parents. However, there are ways in which parents can identify a child with ADHD. If the teenager is consistently scoring poor scoring poor scores in his exam, the reason for this can be such disorder. This can also lead them to risk behavior like smoking, drug abuse, alcohol addiction, etc.

SWOT FACTORS (Behavioral Study)

The following SWOT factor can help us to recognize individual behavior of the students and to fight with different sensitive and related co-issues at the school. SWOT (Strength, Weakness, Opportunity and Threat) assumes the positive and negative part of character of each students according to which a teacher can draw conclusion that how to play his/her effective role towards the betterment and ultimate future prospects of the students.

STRENGHT

WEAKNESS

01.

Mental Alertness (Quick reference)

01.

Unmindful (Dullness)

02.

Sharpness (Reasoning)

02.

Lack of self confidence

03.

Constructive Mind (Balance decision)

03.

Imbalance in decision making

04.

Sound Health

04.

Sickness

05.

Responsive/ Gentleness/ Persuasiveness

05.

Argumentative and Aggressive

OPPERTUNITY

THREAT

01.

Good classroom Teaching

01.

Negative environment for study

02.

Friendly Environment/Skill building

02

Less cooperation from parents, teachers and classmates

03.

Sports /Yoga (Fitness)

03.

Lack of communication

04.

Opinion Sharing (Area of interest )

04.

Lack of physical fitness

05.

Parents support

05.

Poor Financial Condition

Conclusion

The above SWOT factors are the key imbalances among the segment of students and a teacher only can recognize these factors closely and can help a student to overcome from all such negative issues/environment and shapes the character of the student up to a height where they can meet with all possible future prospects.

(113)

Gender Sensitization: Role of Schools

Ms. Rita Gurbani

Vice Principal

Navnidh Girls School, Bairagarh, Bhopal

The recent spate of atrocities against women has given rise to a fresh country wide debate on the issue of gender sensitization.

In the context of the growing incidence of molestation, eve-teasing & sexual assaults coupled with dowry deaths and female foeticide already rampant in the society it becomes imperative to instill awareness among students towards women empowerment.

Before talking about women-empowerment we must talk about equal opportunities-whether they are being given or not is a vital question to be asked from all the stake-holders. Coupled with this is the fact that in a country where the birth of girl child is still considered a burden, it hardly makes sense to discuss development of society. The discrimination starts at the home when we find that the male child is given prominence and priority in terms of nutrition, health care and education.

In this era of mind-boggling sea-changes, school-the erstwhile second home of the child has reached an unprecedented level of importance. School education has become even more crucial and pivotal to the development of society. This is owing to the fact that because of growing materialism, the parents no longer find themselves equipped to handle children-their growing curiosity, their challenges and above all inculcating moral values in them.

Thus the school becomes the proper nurturing ground to sow the seeds of equality, togetherness, mutual respect and harmony.

Mere words, however high-sounding they may seem, are not sufficient to bring about a positive change in the mindset of people. We must take concrete steps to drive away the idea of males being 'rough and tough' and females 'coy & pretty' from the Indian psyche. It is high time we did away with gender based stereo-types such as a toy-car for a boy and a doll for a girl.

Co-curricular & extra - curricular activities can serve as a tool to wipe out discrimination. While laying out activities, care should be taken not to suggest any demarcation (for example football for boys and handicraft for girls). While selecting students for drama / skit, female roles may not necessarily be given to girls and vice-versa. Care should be taken to design the curriculum. Lessons or stories depicting females as being physically strong & brave may be included in large numbers.

As far as possible, school uniforms must be unisexual in nature. Insistence on father's signature on important documents/test papers etc. should be done away with. Adolescence programs may be designed in such a way that every individual gets to know and understand the body-parts-functions, significance-of the opposite sex. Through various activities we should work upon inculcating values of bonding among family members and giving equal respect and recognition to the words and opinion of female members, specially, the mother, in the home.

Subjects like Languages & So. Science should serve as a vehicle for stressing on equality of genders and providing equal opportunities to everyone. Workshops and seminars may be organized for students wherein their frank opinion might be sought on the current scenario in context of prevalent gender bias. These seemingly small things may do well to dissolve the deep-seated barriers of gender in the minds of learners who are at a young, impressionable age.

We do not know how many years it might take before we can proudly think about our society as one which does not work on gender-bias but sincere efforts made in the right direction will definitely lift our country from the abyss of darkness to the dawn of bliss.

IF THE AIM IS PURE,

SUCCESS IS SURE

* * *

(114)

Gender Sensitization in Schools - The Need of the Hour

By George Mathew

(PGT English)

Modern School

Sector - 17, Faridabad

Gender equality is one of the most debated issues of today ironically gender inequality and crimes against women are increasing at an alarming proposition who should be blamed for this social malaise? If we examine the social engineering of Indian society, we can find that patriarchal system is still very dominant in Indian Society. It is natural that male chauvanism runs through the veins of Indian males. Women are treated inferior to men. As a result of this mind set, gender equality suffers a set back. Violence against women and girls are unabated and continues to be a global menace that kills tortures and stifles many lakhs of them every year - Physically, Psychologically, Sexually and economically.

Violence against women is prevalent in every country. Cutting across boundaries of culture, class, ethnicity and age. It is one of the most condemnable human rights violations, denying women and girls equality, security, self esteem and their right to enjoy fundamental rights.

The dimensions of violence are alarming, as highlighted by studies. No country can claim to be insulated against these crimes; the only variation is in the pattern and extremities. Specific groups of women become easy prey of violence including minority groups, indigenous and migrant women, refugree women, women with disabilities etc.

What should be the role of schools to inculcate a feeling of gender equality? Co-educational institutions can play a vital role in creating a feeling of gender equality by involving boys and girls to do academic as well as co-curricular tasks together-sharing and shouldering the responsibilities together thereby respecting and caring each other as equals. Teachers should enlighten the students that no society can march to the path of development and progress without giving the due respect, honour and dignity women deserve. Teachers should awaken the conscience of boys and girls through moral education. Indian history is replete with its tradition of according a position of respect and high esteem to women.

But today male chauvanism and patriachial domination is being reinforced in many societies and female infanticide and female feticide have become the most deplorable menace even in the 21st century. The result is showing up with a very disturbing gender imbalance which can sow the seed of more sexual crimes like rape, molestation eve teasing etc.

Schools should not be factories which produce students devoid of emotional, ethical and moral values. According to Swami Vivekananda "Education is the refinement of the eternal divinity in man". Education must aim at preparing school children to become good human beings as well as good citizens. In the rat race of competition and entrance examination, the emotional and spiritual development of students are ignored at school level. This is a grave lapse on the part of schools and teachers. It is rightly said "the destiny of the nation is shaped in the class rooms of India". Schools should impart education not just to churn out scholars without an emotional quotient.

The nation is grappling with the boiling issue of gender discrimination. The role of schools to achieve gender equality cannot be under estimated. Schools across the country should organize gender sensitization programmes like poster making, debates, declamation contest, street plays, rallies etc. Documentaries and slide shows should also be screened to create awareness among the students. Morning assemblies should be utilized for igniting the minds of children to grow into a good human being imbibing sterling virtues like honesty, integrity, respect for the opposite sex, safe guarding the dignity of women etc. If the plant of education is not watered with values, our culture and civilization will wither away and social peace and harmonious existence will become a casualty.

The following inalienable rights enshrined in world conference on Human rights in (Vienna) 1993 accepted that the rights of girls and women are "an inalienable, integral and indivisible part of universal rights".

Again in December 1993, the U.N. General Assembly adopted the declaration on the Elimination of violence against women.

In 1994, the commission on Human Rights appointed the first Special Rapporteur on violence against women, entrusting her with the task of analyzing and documenting the phenomenon, and holding govts. accountable for violations against women.

The fourth world conference on women in Beijing (1995) included elimination of all forms of violence. These declarations should be announced in the schools and special assemblies should be conducted to highlight the legal and moral sanctity of the above declaration and their strict implementation.