‘Gender sensitisation necessary in modern educational landscape’
Gender sensitisation is not just a concept but an urgent necessity in the modern educational landscape. As we strive for gender equality, we must recognise that boys and girls are equal but not identical. This is a nuanced issue, deeply rooted in societal conditioning, historical context, and cultural expectations. Schools, parents and society must work in tandem — not by reinforcing gendered labels but by fostering an environment where differences are acknowledged yet do not become limitations.
Children are not born with biases; they inherit these from their surroundings. From an early age, they absorb unspoken rules about how they should behave, what they should aspire for, and where they belong. While we champion equality, it is crucial to understand that erasing differences is neither feasible nor desirable. Instead, we must focus on cultivating respect for these differences without allowing these to dictate capabilities or worth.
It is rather true that a school is more than an institution of learning; it is a microcosm of society. It is here that young minds learn the essence of fairness, respect and individuality. However, schools alone cannot dismantle centuries of ingrained perceptions. Parents, too, have a pivotal role to play in this regard. A household that upholds dignity and mutual respect between genders fosters children who carry those values into society. Likewise, societal narratives need to shift from restrictive constructs towards open-minded acceptance.
A personalised approach to education ensures that each child —regardless of gender — receives the guidance and opportunities he/she needs to flourish. Pedagogy must go beyond textbooks, incorporating discussions on unconscious biases, mutual respect and emotional intelligence. The role of a teacher is not just to impart knowledge but to mould individuals who can challenge outdated norms. Like a sculptor chiselling away at a block of marble, educators refine young minds, ensuring that the final form is not dictated by external moulds but by the potential within.
The statistics, though improving, still reflect the urgent need for this shift. According to the latest educational surveys, female literacy rates, while improving, still lag behind male counterparts. Meanwhile, stereotypes about masculinity at all ages discourage boys from exploring emotional depth. The imbalance is not one-sided; it affects all genders and, by extension, the fabric of our future society. True progress lies not in treating boys and girls the same, but in ensuring that neither is constrained by outdated labels. Schools, parents and society must consciously reject rigid categorisations while remaining aware of natural differences.
The goal is not uniformity but harmony — an environment where every individual, regardless of gender, has the freedom to shape their own path. It is time we recognise that gender sensitisation is not an option but a necessity, and it begins with us.
