5 Ways To Fight Gender Disparity In Early Education

5 Ways To Fight Gender Disparity In Early Education

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Gender Disparity In Early Education

What is Gender Disparity?

In the current scenario, the world is changing very fast. There was a time when people decided on jobs based on gender. Girls were not allowed to do any job except household jobs, and men were free to do any job. This type of disparity was based on norms that prevailed in society. Today we are looking at a different reality. Education has empowered women worldwide to express themselves and make this world a better place to live in, where everyone has equal opportunity. Here, we will discuss five ways to fight gender disparity early on.

1. Attend school:

In developing countries such as India, many factors such as poverty, child marriage, and menstrual hygiene problems lead girls to drop out of early education and middle school. Although the government runs many programs, there are still gaps in these policies. Parents and schools must ensure that every girl attends school regularly. Menstrual hygiene problems, domestic violence, household work, child marriage, and early pregnancy are some of the reasons that lead to girl dropouts, and these issues need to be addressed for the safety and education of girls.

2. Hygienic conditions for girls:

The Indian education system is still struggling to provide proper sanitary conditions for girls in schools. Some studies suggest that 50% of girls who drop out each year have left school due to improper menstrual hygiene management. Authorities must look into this matter to solve the treatment imbalance for girls. Teachers need to be sensitized towards the menstrual cycles of teenage girls and how they should be treated to ensure the safety of girl students. To access free sanitary pads and separate girls’ toilets, the lady counsellor must ensure that schools support proper hygienic conditions for girls.

Also Read: 5 Strategies to Ensure Equal Success for Girls and Boys in Science and Mathematics in India

3. Safe environment:

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Poverty is a significant issue in our county, affecting girls’ education and perpetuating gender biases. The National Family Health Survey(2019-21) indicates that more than 60% of school dropouts were girls. The main reasons behind these dropouts were household work and early marriage due to poverty. Girls in such environments are often unsafe and lack the freedom to stand up for themselves. 

Furthermore, cases of sexual harassment have become more frequent, which is alarming for girls’ safety. Parents and teachers must ensure that every girl receives proper and regular education on safety and security until she becomes an adolescent. Girls should feel safe attending school without fearing family and peer pressure.

4. Health:

Health and nutrition are significant factors contributing to girls’ dropouts. Girls from unprivileged backgrounds often miss 30 to 50 school days each year due to improper menstrual hygiene and health conditions. For teens to be healthy, they must have good dietary habits and engage in healthy habits like morning exercise and yoga. Mental well-being is also crucial for teen girls, and developing positive habits toward health can help build self-confidence and improve their social standing. Confidence and motivation are essential traits for girls in today’s society.

5. Sensitizing adults:

Boys are often given more freedom than girls due to societal norms and stigmas related to gender. Parents may allow their sons to play outside for long hours but not their daughters. Girls often play indoors, while boys have more opportunities for outdoor activities. Teachers may also make comments that perpetuate gender disparities, such as telling girls to sit properly and behave like a lady. 

Parents and teachers must be sensitized about their daily micro gestures and nurture equality among genders. Gestures such as “girls shouldn’t do this/that,” “girls can’t play such games,” and “girls should do household work” are examples of gender disparities that must be avoided. Teachers and parents should give equal importance to both girls and boys and respect their choices regardless of their gender. Sensitizing adults about girls’ safety and hygienic menstrual management is crucial for ensuring girl education.

The 21st century offers opportunities for all genders, regardless of caste, creed, or religion. This century has eradicated many harmful social norms that have held us back for centuries. Education is at the core of all these opportunities, and accessible education for every human being must be our goal.

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