Inculcating respect for gender equality in children has never been more crucial. With the rise of gender-based violence and discrimination worldwide, educating children on gender equality from an early age has become essential. The Vardhman Podar Learn School in Seoni recognizes this need and has taken an innovative approach to instil these values in students.
The concept of gender equality begins at home. In Indian families, boys are often given more privileges than girls. According to a report by the National Commission for Women, out of the total crime cases against women in India, 94.6% of perpetrators were known to the victims. In 77.7% of cases, the perpetrator was a family member or relative. This highlights the need for families to educate children about gender equality and respecting each other’s differences.
The Vardhman Podar Learn School understands the need to start early and has incorporated this education into its curriculum. Students are taught about the physical and psychological differences between genders and how to respect and accommodate these differences. They are taught that boys can cry and be emotional, and girls can be strong and play sports. Boys are taught to cook and not consider it a “girl’s job.” These lessons not only promote gender equality but also allow students to shape better relationships in life.
In Indian society, there is a prevalent lack of awareness about early fertility and the changes that occur during puberty. In a survey by The Times of India, only 11% of students had received information about sexual health from their parents. This lack of education can lead to misconceptions and taboos surrounding sexual health. The Vardhman Podar Learn School has taken a progressive approach to this issue by educating students on their bodies and the bodies of the opposite gender. This education helps to break down taboos and myths surrounding puberty and early fertility and allows students to understand better and respect each other’s physical differences.
Empathy is another vital aspect of gender equality. Empathy differences between genders can often lead to misunderstandings and conflicts in relationships. Boys are often taught to suppress their emotions and not show vulnerability, while girls are taught to be emotional and caring. This leads to a lack of understanding between the two genders. The Vardhman Podar Learn School teaches students to be empathetic towards each other and understand and respect both genders’ emotional needs.
Sports are often seen as a platform for gender discrimination. In India, sports are predominantly male-dominated, with little recognition for female athletes. According to a study by the Women’s Sports Foundation, girls drop out of sports at a rate six times higher than boys. The Vardhman Podar Learn School is working towards bridging this gap by providing equal opportunities for both genders in sports. Girls are encouraged to participate in sports irrespective of body type, and boys are taught to respect and support their female counterparts. This approach not only promotes gender equality in sports but also helps to develop a sense of camaraderie and respect between students.
The ability to handle stress and stand up to discrimination is a crucial life skill. Students at Vardhman Podar Learn School are taught to recognize and stand up to bigotry and develop self-confidence and self-respect. These skills are essential for navigating the world and promoting a culture of gender equality.
In conclusion, inculcating respect for gender equality in children is essential in today’s world. The Vardhman Podar Learn School in Seoni has taken an innovative approach to promote gender equality through education. By providing education on physical and psychological differences between genders, respecting changes during puberty, promoting empathy and understanding, bridging the gap in sports, and developing life skills, the school is taking the right initiatives to strengthen bonds within society and offer equal opportunities to both genders across all areas of life.