Ahmedabad schools pave way for gender equality, provide inclusive learning environment

Gone are the days when boys and girls were differentiated on the basis of their gender in schools. Uneven gender ratio in sports team and more girls than boys opting for arts classes are also slowly becoming things of the past. Thanks to the schools, which are adopting innovative ways to ensure gender equality. From introducing unisex uniforms and alternative seating arrangement to equal gender ratio in classes, city schools are certainly making a statement.

Taking the step forward way ahead of its time, Udgam School for Children introduced unisex uniform way back in 2006. Many schools like Udgam have adopted this to make it comfortable for girl students. "While conducting sports activities in school, we realised that girls had to wear a pyjama in order to participate, and this was uncomfortable for them in the hot weather. We also found that on an average, girl students weighed more since they avoided any kind of physical activity. Hence it was important to introduce unisex uniforms," said Manan Choksi, managing director of Udgam school.

Today, the school boasts of various other initiatives to ensure gender parity. To ensure the equal gender ratio in class, the school runs with vacant seats if they do not get enough applications from girls. "We also follow alternative seating, a boy and a girl sit alternatively. This ensures tolerance and instills discipline in class. We also have more number of washrooms for girls than boys and have a sanitary napkin dispenser for girls," he adds.

CEPT university has been running a Gender Parity Mission on its campus. Jigna Desai, member of this very initiative said, "We have replaced father's name and husband's name in the admission form with parents name and spouses name, unless the admission is happening through a central process that the University has no control over. The admission form also acknowledges the other gender." She further added, "At the time of student orientation we clearly spell out that the university has zero tolerance for any discrimination or harassment on the basis of gender, caste, race, class or sexuality. We organise sensitisation workshops for staff and students that talk about consent, harassment, day to day discrimination, perils of protectionism (surveillance and moral policing). We do this through discussions, plays, comedy acts, open lectures, question answers etc. We have a creche facility for staff and students as well."

Girls play the tabla

While tabla is mainly dominated by the male gender, Anand Niketan Satellite school is making a change. Off late, their tabla classes has more girls enrolling for the class. Says Nashy Chauhan, director of the school, "Not just in tabla, but there is a rise in the number of girl students participating in sports as well. Our football girls team has won matches whereas boys team has not. We also have a cricket team comprising both genders." We also have unisex uniforms, designed by students, when they enter adolescence.

Equality in sports

Many schools are now having dedicated sports team of girls mainly to ensure equal representation. Surender Sachdeva, principal of Delhi Public School, Bopal said, "To improve gender ratio in classrooms, we have tweaked our admission criteria by giving 10 points extra to girl students at entry level. We have 45:50 ratio of girls and boys. We give equal opportunities to girls and boys when sports and arts and music is concerned. Last year, we formed an all girl cricket team. Girls participate in each and every sport played in school."

PARITY EVEN FOR BOYS

Another school setting an example is the Anand Niketan at Shilaj. They select two presidents for their school parliament, taking care of all activities ranging from hygiene to sanitation to projects, etc in school. This year they have had two girls as presidents. Lamiya Shums, director, Anand Niketan Shilaj, said, “Usually presidents include one boy and one girl. But we have gone beyond gender and are selecting those who are capable. For example, for our project managers, there are two boys who have been selected.”