Educating Gender Equality to Young Kids

by admin Uncategorized

Before we jump into the importance of educating young children about gender equality. Let us quickly understand what we actually mean by “Gender Equality”. When we talk about gender equality, by no means do we try to assert that men and women are equal. Men and Women, both, differ from each other in terms of physical attributes, emotional attributes, and in nature. However, when this distinction becomes a hindrance in their growth in society and affects their rights and opportunities, such unfair treatment is referred to as ‘Gender Inequality’. Simply put, gender equality is defined as a state in which both men and women have the same rights and opportunities unaffected by their gender. 

The need to erase gender-based discrimination arises from as early as adolescence due to the gender stereotypes that they are exposed to at home, in schools, and through television. Such stereotypes teach young boys and girls what society expects of them, how they are supposed to function, and what attributes are strictly “feminine” or are too “macho”. If we look around us, everything is distinct on the basis of gender, from clothes to food, toys to entertainment, and even lifestyle products. From the moment we choose pink for girls and blue for boys and keep mechanical toys in the “Boys” section and fill the “girls” section with makeup, kitchen sets, barbies, and grooming toys, we subconsciously plant the seeds of discrimination in their fragile, innocent minds. Stereotypical gender roles continue to be reinforced online, on television, in games, in songs, and in books every hour of every day. And since we as adults are internalising the same message, gender-based norms are only becoming more ingrained.

Hence, it is vital to undo the harm and allow them to view each other as fellow participants and candidates in the race of life. Even the UN, outlining its Sustainable Development Goals, has placed gender equality in the fifth position out of its 17 goals to achieve by 2023. As experts have pointed out, even small actions like exposing children to non-stereotypical characters from books and movies, or dividing housework equally at home, can redefine behaviour patterns for the next generation, and broaden the reach of women for resources and opportunities. 

Despite global disparities in education, many false myths and ideas persist. Some of them are: 

  • Boys are stronger than girls. 
  • Boys excel in maths and science while girls like art and literature
  • Teaching is a girl’s job, boys like to play with tools
  • Girls need to pursue female-oriented jobs 
  • Boys are competitive, girls are timid 
  • Girls are emotional beings, boys need to “man up” 

While we are living in a time where gender inequality and traditional ideas are experiencing a downward shift, such false notions continue to hinder progress. To ensure children grow up understanding equality and advocating for equal educational opportunities for themselves and others, it is essential to instill and model equality.

How to Teach Gender Equality to Kids 

Have the hard conversation – Raise thought-provoking questions like, “who do you think should run errands around the house?” or “D’you know what gender equality is?” Ask them about their views and try to positively influence them in the right direction. 

Be a role model – Young children are always watching and picking what adults around them say and do. Think of the areas you need to work on and practice the change you want to make. Actions are always louder than words, so if you practice what you preach you are more likely to achieve the desired goal. 

Break the Stereotype – In a time when we are surrounded by heavily gender-biased content, we must start with ourselves. Erase the line of distinction at home by shunning the concept of “gender roles”. For instance, a girl child is supposed to help with household chores and the boy helps the dad in the business. Encourage equal participation from both genders in whatever task is at hand. Similarly, at schools, it is important that the curriculum views and promotes men and women as equal in value and capability.  

At GDGPS, we strive to erase gender-based discrimination whether it is acquiring knowledge or staging the same. We further believe that women are at par with men and thus offer equal opportunities to our students.