Many times, we have heard the phrase, “Boys don’t cry” or “It’s not ladylike to shout”? At a certain level it seems we have reserved appropriate emotions to children on the basis of their gender.
Characterizing or discrimination of individuals based on their gender is known as gender inequality. The most common reason for this is typecasting gender roles. Not only discrimination and unequal pay, are the examples of gender discrimination but even selecting academic opportunities or career path of a child by their parents on the basis of gender is also stereotyped. On the basis of gender, discriminating them is a common civil rights violation that eventually creates imbalance in the society.
Educational institution is a good place to infuse gender sensitivity among students. It is important to focus on creating a gender responsive school with reference to academic, social and physical environment so that its surrounding community takes specific needs of a male or female student into consideration.
Students not only learn academic subjects, but also, they look up to their teachers for inspiration, guidance and wisdom. In their formative years, a student adapts moral values, attitude and virtues taught to them. Hence teachers can be on the forefront for sensitization students about gender sensitivity. Through this student will learn the perspective based on mutual respect and it establishes trust and a healthy relationship with their peers.
We all know that sometimes even teachers accidently make belittle comments about capabilities of either gender. So, we need to bring in methodology such as sensitization campaigns, conducting workshops and introduce programs that promotes gender equality for both students and teachers.
Gender awareness is logical and analytical since it explains issues about gender inequality and issues concerning them. It is concerned to one’s effort to show how gender shapes the role of women and men in society including their role in development and how it affects relationship between them. To move towards a gender balanced society, it is important to think objectively and rationally about gender disparity.
