Gender equality, when defined in simple terms, is a situation in which access to rights or opportunities is unaffected by gender. In a world like ours we have progressed significantly in terms of achieving gender equality and building a space where people can work without there being unfair practices like discrimination. When we talk about gender equality, we not only refer to an equal access to resources, but also to the right to have education which forms the foundation of achieving success and becoming capable individuals in life.
Education is a fundamental right and there is no doubt that its impact is far reaching and wide. According to UNESCO, globally 122 million girls and 128 million boys are out of school and women account for two-thirds of all adults who are unable to read. With such data in hand, it becomes a priority that education is made accessible and children are given quality education for their learning journeys. Although there have been several steps made to counter gender inequality in various spaces, we still continue to live in a world where gender payback, and gender based discriminations exist. To do away with gender inequality, the first and foremost step is to raise awareness through the means of education.
Pehchaan The Street School recognises the impact of education over the world and the need to fight for its cause in order for the world to progress and do away with issues like gender inequality. Education can be a powerful way to enrich communities as well as empowering girls all around the world. NGOs like Pehchaan The Street School work at grassroot levels to help bring these issues to the forefront and help address and work towards social causes in their immediate environments which allows them to contribute to communities that are often neglected. There are various ways in which the impact of education is seen and gauged on gender equality.
Increased sense of awareness
Education is an immensely powerful way to make people aware of current socio-cultural issues around them and sensitize people in advocating for an equal and just society. Pehchaan The Street School incessantly raises awareness through their system of education, where underprivileged children learn from a young set of volunteers and professionals who are aware of these issues and can further help the underprivileged children in recognising various information at hand. Through this, the organization advocates for important issues like gender equality and its importance. Various workshops and seminars are also conducted for them so they are able to learn enthusiastically and form an interest in learning.
Creating an Equal Environment
Educational spaces like schools, institutions, colleges, etc. are important areas where children learn to interact with their peers and grow familiar with people who may not be similar to them in various aspects. Pehchaan The Street School works to create spaces for everyone without any discrimination against gender, ethnicity, caste, class or capabilities. The organization in fact works towards uplifting underprivileged children and providing equal opportunities and learning from them. Through creating an environment, where everyone learns together, we create a sense of equality and thus help diminish discriminatory behavior from an early age which ultimately helps the cause of gender equality.
Challenging Gender Norms
Pehchaan The Street School recognises the role education plays in challenging traditional gender norms and understanding the need to fight for gender equality. At the organization, each underprivileged child is equally valued and they are taught the values of togetherness, love and equality. There are often various sessions conducted on Girl child education, Menstruation, gender sensitisation and underprivileged children are given creative spaces to explore their talents regardless of their gender. At Pehchaan The Street School, we believe that they possesses immense talent and there are no fixed boundaries of what a child should do based on their gender.
Gender equality is a goal that still needs to be worked upon and is something that requires attention and advocacy at every level possible. Especially at grassroot levels where these issues persist in even aggravated forms and need immediate attention. In such scenarios NGOs like Pehchaan The Street School work to address these issues at the level of the community and play their part as socially responsible individuals of the society.
If you wish to contribute to the cause of education, visit our website https://pehchaanstreetschool.org/ for more information.