Gender Sensitization In Schools Sociology Essay Example

between men and women in all aspects of life, this is not reflected in reality. Among the significant portion of the population that remains illiterate, concepts like gender equality are unheard of.

Gender discrimination persists in contemporary Indian households, hindering the achievement of gender equality. The situation will persist unless there is an improvement in the country's economic conditions, which currently view girls as burdensome. Nonetheless, by prioritizing female education in rural areas, individuals can gain empowerment to combat discrimination and narrow the gender gap. Disrespect towards women is also fueled by the overall moral decay prevalent in our society. Enhancing a child's morality fosters greater respect for women and reduces instances of sexual abuse or assault within educational institutions. Presently, men are predominantly driven by monetary pursuits, shaping this mindset among children as well.

Academic success is highly valued by teachers, defenders, and educational establishments as the pathway to a prosperous life. However, this focus on financial gain frequently results in the disregard of moral values within schools and colleges. Instances of sexual misconduct occurring in educational settings can be directly linked to the failure of educators and protectors to instill these values in students. While moral education is part of the curriculum, it is often addressed casually rather than systematically. To effectively nurture moral values in children, storytelling with explicit moral messages should be integrated.

Teaching moral values to young students is essential and should begin early with committed teachers. This education should be ongoing in middle and high school to ensure the recognition and praise of moral integrity. By doing this, the morals taught to children at a young age will become deeply embedded. Both

teachers and parents share responsibility for shaping children's attitudes and society as a whole. It is important to recognize that not all teachers may adhere to ethical standards.

Regrettably, teacher selection is not a priority for numerous schools, particularly private ones that prioritize profit over providing a comprehensive education. Consequently, character education, an essential element of schooling, is overlooked. It is imperative for schools to be more diligent and cautious in delivering top-notch instruction while prioritizing student well-being. Only then can we expect children's academic, physical, and moral growth.

Schools should offer chances for students to participate in various activities that go beyond academics, enabling them to develop their artistic abilities and channel their plentiful energy in a positive way. This strategy will aid in decreasing negative behaviors and promoting a more favorable attitude towards others. It is crucial for students to engage in group activities involving both genders as it assists them in overcoming curiosity and limitations associated with the opposite sex. Instances of sexual misconduct within schools must be swiftly identified and dealt with through strict measures. The individuals at fault should receive counseling or suitable punishment, depending on the seriousness of the offense.

Education on the importance of equality among individuals, regardless of caste, creed, race, or gender, should be provided to both male and female students. Teachers should exhibit kindness towards students in order to foster similar behavior in their interactions with peers. It is crucial to instill proper attitudes in students to prevent offensive conduct. Students can form groups to provide support and discourage potential abusers. Teachers should be prepared to assist students in handling such situations. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) specialized in this

field can offer guidance to help children address these issues.

Schools should work closely with defenders, as students develop their first experiences at home and ideas formed during their formative years continue to influence them later on. Gender Sensitization in Schools By Moushumi Ghoshal Motilal Nehru School of Sports Rai, Sonipat The issue of gender sensitization has become a major concern due to a national crisis that deeply impacted the country at the beginning of the year. The incident, known as the 'Delhi Gang rape', brought attention to women's safety and raised questions about the behavior of the average Indian male towards women. Educational institutions must acknowledge their responsibility in addressing this issue, which often goes unnoticed or ignored by both private and government sectors.

Schools are also affected by the government's unclear and reactionary policy on this issue, leaving schools without clear instructions on what is expected of them. The society's first major concern should be the creation of clear laws that guarantee women a gender-sensitive environment at their workplace. The initial step taken should ensure that schools are chosen as the means to spread this message, so that society does not have to resort to punitive measures, but instead instills the desired objective in the youth. Gender sensitization should be integrated into the teacher-training program so that all aspects are well ingrained in the instructors to pass on to the students.

Gender issues should be addressed at the primary level to foster friendship and partnership among young children. By organizing mixed-gender groups, encouraging teamwork and projects, and engaging both boys and girls in activities, children will see each other as equals and avoid any shyness

or embarrassment. This can help prevent feelings of inadequacy and the perception of being "different." Additionally, incorporating community service into the school curriculum can promote a more compassionate society that responds to gender issues with sensitivity and understanding.

Community service is important for developing admirable qualities in individuals and emphasizing the joy of working together to help others. It is also crucial to address the behavior of those who violate gender-sensitive norms. Since we are dealing with children at a formative age, it is essential not to alienate the offender. Instead, we should aim to integrate them into society by providing counseling and assurance of ongoing support to improve their behavior. Criticism, public humiliation, and harsh punishment like expulsion can have the opposite effect, further isolating the child.

The male-dominated environment in many Indian households can create difficulties for children in addressing gender issues. Nevertheless, it is essential to persist instead of giving in to societal pressures. Kavitha Nair, a senior secondary teacher at Muljibhai Mehta International School in Gokul Township, Virar (W), talks about Gender Sensitization in Schools. Gender sensitization encompasses the psychological process individuals go through when interacting with someone of the opposite gender. Each gender has its own unique thought processes.

The response to "gender sensitization" varies depending on people's backgrounds, whether they come from urban or rural areas. Urban youth often perceive an unfair advantage given to girls, while those from rural areas show indifference towards the needs of girls and hold the belief that boys are superior. The global recognition of gender sensitization and equality for development has led governments, civil society, and development agencies to undertake various efforts towards comprehensive development. In

recent times, there have been increasing reports in India's mainstream news channels and publications about acts of violence against women. Issues such as low sex ratio, female infanticide, lack of education for girls, dowry problems, and others persist on a daily basis. Crimes targeting women are escalating at a concerning rate; it is surprising that even 'educated' young men commit a significant portion of these offenses. Nevertheless, it is essential for everyone to be sensitive to the needs of girls regardless of their background.

Before the age of 10, boys and girls interact without recognizing gender differences. However, during adolescence, reminders from parents, teachers, friends, and society consistently bring these differences to their attention. This awareness arises as girls go through menstruation and boys experience physical changes that affect how they perceive girls. Both genders demonstrate similar behavior such as being loud, feeling jealous, forming friendships, and experiencing infatuation in certain situations. To provide a comprehensive education for teenagers, it is crucial for a teacher to have conversations with them about various subjects— including the significance of understanding gender sensitivity in order to grasp each other's needs.

How can a Teacher / school be helpful? Many authorities have achieved significant success in reducing the gender gap in enrollment by increasing the enrollment of girls. Various programs were included for the improvement of girls' access, retention, and performance like:

• Building schools near to the homes to provide safety and security for girls.
• Flexible time table for subsistence 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.

The delivery of a good gender sensitizing program can be more effective if interactive learning methods like debates, discussions, games, role play are included in the session.In the past, there has been a demand for gender-responsive education and learning materials, resulting in textbooks containing numerous examples of gender stereotypes. Interestingly, the instructors using these textbooks were unaware of any issues with the content.

The course of study requires the presence of teachers who can present engaging and well-researched audio and visual content on gender sensitization to students. This can be done using computer labs or audio-visual rooms. It is important for instructors to use proper language in the classroom and foster positive interaction with students.

It is crucial for every individual to acknowledge their roles in gender sensitization, despite the existence of issues such as bride burning and dowry deaths even after six decades of independence. Therefore, our education system must teach children how to express their thoughts, actions, and behaviors and empower them to make informed decisions. Teacher training should include skills on gender sensitization for children in order to achieve quality education and the

Millennium Development Goals while promoting gender equality in education.

Gender Sensitization Pre Primary Division

Until December 16th, I had believed that I lived in a state where a sweet river flows, birds chirp, a cool breeze swiftly blows, and nature around me is beautiful. As a woman, I have my self-esteem, self-respect, dignity, and identity in this independent world.

Instantly, everything was shattered, shaken, and uprooted - comparable to the destructive force of a tsunami like Katrina or relentless downpour. I was overwhelmed with shock, unable to find any way to articulate my anger, frustration, sadness, or pain. My soul is adrift while my physical presence endures. Fear has consumed me as a woman fortunate enough to have a precious daughter named Damini.

I am filled with fear and sorrow when I think of the brave weather forecaster who fought until her last breath. This intense emotional experience has motivated me to become a teacher, dedicating myself to educating every child. However, I cannot forget my own daughter. It is evident that teenagers remain oblivious to the events that have taken place, and if we do not act swiftly as a society to teach them, our souls will be eternally lost.

It is crucial to educate all individuals, regardless of gender or any other factor, in order for them to contribute effectively in their field. Merely focusing on guiding and educating our own children as parents will not be enough to eradicate crime completely. We must address the root cause and ensure that every member of society is knowledgeable, educated, enlightened, and aware of their roles, responsibilities, and duties.

Firstly, it is important to recognize that throughout our lives we go

through various stages, including infancy, childhood, adolescence, adulthood, and old age. In my role as an instructor, I have the opportunity to interact with children who are between the ages of 3.5 and 5.5 years old. It is important to note that even at this young age, I can still teach them values. I have taken the initiative to educate these children about the difference between appropriate touch and inappropriate touch.

It is important to prevent any unfamiliar or unknown individuals from causing trouble in society, coaching, schools, roads, or at any events or festivals. As a teacher, we can reduce this risk by developing strong bonds of friendship. Children should be encouraged to confide in their parents or a teacher who they trust. Additionally, parents should keep a close eye on their children when they are playing in the community, park, or school. We can guide them through stories, discussions, questioning, and through activities like drama or puppet shows. The next step is to instill values in adolescents by giving them responsibilities, awareness, vigilance, and teaching them how to protect themselves.

Having a positive attitude can help us overcome difficult times. When children are frustrated and feeling isolated, they often turn to negative influences and bad habits. By introducing positive thoughts through seminars, workshops, or even a brief conversation, we can help them change their outlook and lead a more positive life. We have the power to make a difference and help them become positive individuals.

A positive human being with a positive mindset will never commit wrong and will never endorse immoral actions, as they are conscious of the consequences and understand the difference between right

and wrong. Awareness of one's surroundings is a journey that all adolescents experience. However, life itself can be tumultuous. Children often face numerous crises, such as parental separation, financial difficulties, or dealing with an alcoholic father who physically abuses their mother on a daily basis. Some children even lack the most basic necessities of life.

As instructors, it is our duty to encourage students to read informative articles, not just the headlines. We are responsible for helping children read, comprehend, and express their opinions. By engaging in a constructive conversation with students, teachers can identify any negativity and address it.

Additionally, we can seek advice from a school counselor to make them aware of their responsibilities by involving them in street drama and workshops. It is important to speak without any bias towards gender and treat everyone with equal respect and duties. Furthermore, we can help them comprehend how to handle crises.

It is important to emphasize the need for constant vigilance to ensure safety. This means refraining from using mobile phones or wearing earplugs to listen to music while outside of school or walking. It is crucial to remain alert when encountering strangers, whether at home or in society. If any inappropriate behavior is observed, it should be promptly reported to teachers or parents.

Children should be educated and informed about important numbers such as those of an ambulance, police station, parents, relatives, and neighbors. They should also be taught self-defense to protect themselves. It is important to remember that martial arts have rules that should be followed; we should use them only when necessary and not harm others.

Everyone, regardless of their age, can face difficult circumstances. However,

by being aware, vigilant, maintaining a positive attitude, and protecting our self-esteem, we can make the world a better place to live in. I strongly believe in the principle of "practice what you preach." Fortunately, all of these aspects are within our capabilities.

I am making my spot. Have you done yours?

Gender Sensitization in Schools: Introduction

Gender is the main distinction between individuals all over the world. It comprises the traits that a group deems suitable for its males and females. Gender stratification refers to the unequal access to power, prestige, and possessions based on one's sex. Regardless of our achievements in life, we are determined as either male or female. These designations come with images and expectations about how we should behave.

From birth, biology plays a role in influencing human emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. By the age of three, children become aware that society distinguishes between males and females. Gender not only shapes our self-perception but also dictates how we are expected to behave. Gender roles refer to the attitudes and actions that society associates with each sex. As we are socialized, we acquire an understanding of our gender and the accepted behaviors and attitudes associated with our sex.

The sociological significance of gender lies in its function as a means of societal control. Society imposes certain expectations on males, such as being ambitious, competitive, participating in sports, and assuming leadership roles. On the other hand, females are expected to be respectful, emotional, supportive partners who are quick to show their emotions. They are expected to be inactive and emotional, while males are expected to

be independent and active.

The perception of parents, communities, and policy makers is the main reason for gender discrimination in society. Many societies believe that girls and women are inferior to men. They view girls as a burden and consider investing in their education to be a waste of limited resources. This belief stems from the societal norm that girls are only meant to fulfill domestic roles and do not contribute financially to the family.

Her usage is simply as a potential child carrier and raiser. Parents believe that:

• Girls education has no relevance for her future life
• If girls are educated they develop ideas of equality.
• When they invest in a girl's education there are no returns.

Discrimination against women began centuries ago. This discrimination starts at home when a girl is born and in some cases even before she is born resulting in female foeticide. There are dietary deficiencies both qualitative as well as quantitative. Girls are more often undernourished than boys. Everywhere there is male patriarchy where males dominate females.

Throughout society, women have long been portrayed as docile and beautiful beings in need of protection and care. This perception has been ingrained through generations and societal norms, dictating that women should be submissive, obedient, and fulfill multiple roles flawlessly such as daughter, sister, wife, mother, daughter-in-law, etc. The ideal woman is expected to never question or go against the desires of the male family members. This expectation is instilled from a young age as girls are taught to depend on others for their livelihood. Any woman

who deviates from this expectation is labeled as bold or immoral and subjected to punishment. Unfortunately, this has led to an alarming increase in violence against women who dare to challenge male dominance.

ROLE OF SOCIETY

Gender consciousness starts at an early age with the expected roles in life. Girls assist their mothers with household work, while boys engage in more physical activities outside. Girls are taught that their entire life revolves around the home. This perception is reinforced when dolls are seen as the ideal gift for girls, while boys receive cars and guns. Society continues to impose these roles, with girls expected to stay at home and take care of the family's needs, and boys encouraged to be aggressive and excel.

The male members of the household receive the majority of the essential nutrients, leaving the women to make sacrifices during times of scarcity. This is the price they pay for the security provided by the male members, which is the underlying concept behind various festivals like Raksha Bandhan.

SCHOOLS

Unfortunately, this gender bias is further reinforced in schools when we quickly label a male child who is shouting as a "pantywaist" or behaving like a girl.

Even in capable choice, the overwhelming consciousness leads most girls to choose fine arts, home science or biology. Mathematics is usually for boys. Girls pursuing a career in medicine often specialize in gynecology, pediatrics or physical therapy; it is rare to find female cardiologists or oncologists. This bias exists in every field - in engineering, girls are directed towards computers and electronics while civil and mechanical engineering is seen as

masculine.

In M.B.A., women usually choose Marketing and HRD, while Sales is preferred by men. Traditional gender roles encourage female students to pursue businesses that align with their future husbands and children. Our society still perceives high-paying professions and the determination required to succeed in them as masculine. Similarly, in the world of sports, feminine and less aggressive games like badminton, tennis, swimming, or athletics are typically associated with girls. On the other hand, sports like cricket and football are more popular among boys, although there are female teams for these sports, they are not as well-liked.

Girls typically participate in cheerleading while their male counterparts are encouraged to engage in allegedly male-dominated sports like wrestling and boxing. Although there are exceptions, such as Alka Tomar and Mary Kom, who have achieved success in these sports. This bias in the sports field is a global occurrence that leaves a lasting impact on young minds and shapes their perceptions throughout their lives.

Whenever individuals are confronted with an image that conflicts with their established beliefs, we witness a struggle. This struggle is evident in the various signs of aggression and abuse towards women that we see today.

MEASURES

Therefore, it is crucial to promote gender sensitisation in all aspects of life, including schools, society, and peer groups. We must thoroughly examine and repair the stereotypical image portrayed in our movies, starting from the very foundation - the young minds in schools. As school is the second home for children, it should be where this change begins, right from the basics.

Children should be taught that girls and boys are not different; they are simply two separate individuals who may have physical differences

but those differences should not dictate their behavior. Respect for each other's feelings and acceptance of each other's abilities should be emphasized. It is important to break the stereotype of what types of games girls and boys should play. Girls should be encouraged to choose subjects that they have skills for and are interested in, even if it goes against societal norms.

Stereotypes should be shattered and children should be encouraged to pursue their true desires without being influenced by societal expectations. The choice of a career should be their own decision, unaffected by society's expectations. The curriculum should include an emphasis on gender sensitivity, educating students about the contributions of females in societal development and promoting harmonious coexistence between both genders. Simply idolizing women as goddesses is not enough; they should be treated with respect as intelligent individuals. Society must recognize the tremendous potential it is squandering by denying equal status and opportunities to girls.

Wherever adult females are honored, there the Gods are pleased - The Code of Manu ( Manuscripts ) We live in an advanced society. Having enslaved even the most unsafe animate beings, we proudly reside in the districts that once belonged to these 'wild animals.' We have created machines to simplify our lives and increase productivity. The world has become smaller and we intend to establish settlements on the Moon! We have progressed beyond our 'barbaric ancestors.

Although man has evolved significantly from his hunter-gatherer phase, the position of women in society remains largely unaltered. Daily, newspapers are filled with reports of rape, harassment, domestic violence, and other crimes targeting women. Female students in rural areas face the highest dropout rates, and

there is evident wage discrimination against women, especially in rural regions.

The inequality faced by women is pervasive throughout their lives. Statistics show that in India, 65.5% of adult women are literate, compared to 82.1% of men. In rural India, only 26.1% of women are part of the workforce, whereas the figure for men is 54.7%. The average wage for women in rural areas was Rs.155.87 in 2009-10, while men earned Rs.249.15 on average. In 2011, there were 24,270 reported cases of crimes against women in India. The recent rape case of Nirbhaya once again highlights the dire situation faced by women in our modern society.

Is it the same India where adult females are worshipped as goddesses? In our civilization, the figure of Ardhnarishwara or half adult male and half adult female is revered and worshipped. The Ardhnarishwara symbolizes the equality of the sexes, emphasizing that both genders are equally important and none is inferior to the other. This represents our civilization's belief in treating both sexes as equals. However, we, who take pride in our rich heritage and the tradition of honoring femininity, are succumbing to corruption. Not everything appears favorable in men's paradise. This was not the case in the primitive hunting society.

According to Chris Harman in "A People's History of the World," there was no male dominance over adult females in terms of labor division. Men primarily engaged in hunting, while women focused on gathering. However, with the advent of industrialization, new methods of production emerged, leading to changes in gender roles. Men solidified their position as breadwinners, while women's roles became centered around childbirth and raising the family.

Over time, adult females have

become increasingly dependent and subordinate to men. This has resulted in a significant division, where women are no longer seen as equals. To address this issue and bring women on par with men, it is crucial to promote gender sensitization among the younger generation. Gender sensitization refers to modifying our behavior and instilling empathy in our perspectives towards both our own sex and the opposite sex.

By assisting individuals in analyzing their personal attitudes and beliefs and challenging the preconceived notions they had about the world, this helps them gain a deeper understanding. Moreover, considering that a person's upbringing and education significantly shape their development, it is particularly crucial when it comes to children.