Can girls amble alone on roads in the night? Can they wear anything without thinking about what others might think of their character? Are they stereotyped as being more emotional than rational? Why do women still have to ask for permission for some the of most basic things like going out, and buying phones from male family members? Why are there more male political leaders than females? According to the gender gap report of the World Economic Forum (WEF), India has been ranked 127th among 146 countries in 2023. India has improved from 135th to 127th though disparities are greater than the official data.
There has been some improvement in gender equality over the years due to factors like urbanization, education, globalization, democracy, universal suffrage, and financial independence. The roots are still to be worked upon from upbringing to adulthood. Even our language and textbooks are biased, serving the needs of patriarchy. Positions like chairman, entrepreneur, and businessman are male-dominated, for the females on these posts or in these professions’ memorable phrases like female entrepreneurs, businesswomen, etc. are used. Furthermore, their female counterparts have to prove every bit of their capabilities to deserve their respective posts. The harassment faced by females in the workplace be it mentally, sexually, or socially adds the cherry to the cake. It worsens their conditions for their growth in careers. Textbooks are gendered like ‘History is his story’ to get the complete picture of the world we also need her story. The thought process of females is shaped in such a way that serves the purpose of the patriarchal family. In rural areas, males are referred to as the light of the family by females who are dependent upon them for every single need.
The reasoning given to females to rationalize the concept of gender inequality is that women are biologically the weaker sex in comparison to men who are stronger and can protect better. Aristotle said “Females are mutilated versions of males” and Sigmund Freud said, “Anatomy is destiny”. Males are the weaker sex and are more likely to fall for diseases easily than women. “Pretty much at every age, women seem to survive better than men,” says Steven Austad, an international expert on aging, and chair of the biology department at the University of Alabama. This is portrayed in a way where males are considered stronger because the only consideration taken is the physical body structure.
In India, gender inequality has been mitigated by government laws through various schemes and awareness camps. The education through awareness camps like ‘Beti padhao, Beti bachao’ have worked wonders. The dropout rates of girls have reduced fiercely with increase in participation of women in the workforce. This brings financial empowerment which helps them to lead their own lives, one that is not at the expense of men. They also add value to our national economy, helping the country. They are vigilant about their basic and fundamental rights in general. They are likely to marry less at a young age leading productive and healthy lives. This also makes them more inclusive in the decision-making process in routine family and politically in society. This helps in reducing the risk of gender-based violence.
There are broader horizons for women in society, unlike in the past. There women were marginalized from all political, social, economic, and cultural spheres of the world. It is said ‘If you teach a woman, you teach a generation’ which is the true essence leading to gender equality across the globe.
What education can’t teach is innate and somewhat external socialization which starts right from when a child is born till their death beds. Even today, the birth of boys is celebrated with great celebrations, unlike the birth of girls. The mindset of our prior generations is difficult to change and now can’t evolve due to their upbringing and own experiences. It should be respected equally keeping in mind the needs of present society. Change is constant and hard but necessary. Education can turn almost every table for gender equality but some tables remain unturned due to the impact of the diversity of individual’s mindset. The role of non-governmental organizations is crucial in the education of marginalized communities and in empowering citizens in building the nation’s future.
Pehchaan The Street School (Trust) is one of the non-governmental organizations working towards reaching each unprivileged student who has been denied an education because of a lack of financial resources for the last 8 years. It started with 5 volunteers and 10 children. It aims to recognize and identify their talents and capabilities through both vocational as well as academic studies. This makes society inclusive especially for underprivileged girls who can help their families from the breaking the vicious circle of poverty by educating and joining a better workforce improving their economic conditions. This brings a platform for girls especially those who lack the financial resources to explore their talents and capabilities and find their inner true selves. Teachers are mostly female interns and volunteers and female students who are learners. This creates a very productive, healthy, and inclusive environment taking everyone a step closer to gender equality.
https://pehchaanstreetschool.org
https://pehchaanstreetschool.org