Gender Inequality In Education

 

Gender Inequality In Education

-Sakshi Choudhary

Gender inequality in education is a pervasive issue that has been prevalent in many societies around the world. It manifests in different forms, such as disparities in enrollment rates, academic performance, access to educational resources, and opportunities for higher education and employment. This essay will explore the reasons behind gender inequality in education from both a girl's and a boy's perspective. From a girl's perspective, one of the primary reasons for gender inequality in education is gender stereotypes. Society tends to view girls as homemakers and caregivers, limiting their potential in other areas such as education. As a result, girls are often discouraged from pursuing academic excellence, and they receive less support and resources than boys. 

“Fighting For Gender Equality Is Not A Responsibility For Women Only. The Society Should Be Held Accountable For It Too. Gender Equality World Is A Better World. We At HEEALS Believe In Gender Equality “  -HEEALS 

This creates a cycle of inequality, where girls receive less education and end up in low-paying jobs, while boys are encouraged to pursue higher education and more prestigious careers. Another factor that contributes to gender inequality in education is poverty. Girls from poor families are more likely to be denied educational opportunities due to their financial status. In many societies, girls are viewed as an economic burden to their families, and their education is not considered a priority. Girls from poor families are also more likely to be subjected to child labor, early marriage, and other forms of exploitation, which limit their access to education. Moreover, gender-based violence is a significant barrier to education for girls. In many countries, girls are subjected to violence and harassment on their way to school or at school, which can lead to dropping out of school or poor academic performance. For example, a girl who has experienced sexual violence may feel too ashamed or traumatized to continue with her education. 

From a boy's perspective, gender inequality in education is also a concern. Boys who do not fit into the traditional masculine mold can face discrimination and bullying from their peers. For example, boys who show an interest in traditionally feminine activities such as art or music can be ostracized by their peers, leading to poor academic performance and dropping out of school. Furthermore, the education system often favors girls over boys, leading to boys being left behind. Many educators believe that girls are more conscientious and hardworking, and as such, they tend to give girls more attention and resources than boys. This can lead to boys feeling neglected and unmotivated, which can impact their academic performance. In addition, boys from low-income families also face barriers to education. Boys from poor families are more likely to be subjected to child labor and other forms of exploitation, which can limit their access to education. They may also lack access to educational resources such as books, computers, and the internet, which can put them at a disadvantage compared to their peers. 

In conclusion, gender inequality in education is a complex issue that affects both girls and boys. It stems from a combination of factors such as gender stereotypes, poverty, and gender-based violence. To address this issue, there needs to be a concerted effort by governments, educators, and society as a whole to provide equal opportunities and resources to both girls and boys. This includes addressing gender stereotypes, providing financial support for girls from low-income families, and ensuring that schools are safe spaces for all students, regardless of their gender. Only through a collective effort can we eliminate gender inequality in education and ensure that all students have equal opportunities to pursue their dreams and reach their full potential.

Be A Part Of Our International Internship /Volunteering/Volunteer travel program At HEEALS Please Contact Us At : communications@heeals.org Please Come Join Us!

DONTAE AND SAVE TAX . 

Facebook Page : https://www.facebook.com/Heeals/ 

Twitter Page: http://www.twitter.com/heeals 

Instagram: @heealsindia

We Request To All The People To Help and Support Our Work .

 

Thank You!

 

28th May is Menstrual Hygiene Day!

Menstrual Hygiene Is A Basic Fundamental Right Of Girls . They must access to regular supply of sanitary pads ,clean water ,soap and hygiene facilities.Men must be included in MH Talk To Spread Its Awareness and Importance.

Come Join Us In Our Menstrual Hygiene Project
Contact Us At : communications@heeals.org

EDUCATION AMONG BOYS AND GIRLS IN RURAL VILLAGES IN INDIA

“The things that I learned from my grandfather and father, [are more] useful and practical than things which others learn from the school.” 

Those are the words of GunabandiyaUruwarige, Wanniyala-Aetto chief, a Sri Lanka tribe. We think that represent the general condition of rural areas all around India in fact of education.

Even if India is considered to be one of the fastest-growing economy, there is a large amount of extra-urban areas where the situation is much different. India is the second largest country in terms of population and the seventh largest in terms of area, so it is difficult to speak generally about the features and the issues of this country. Furthermore, when it comes to educationthere are many factors about traditional habits that should be seen.

Percent literates by level of education in India 2001

Source: censusindia.gov.in

First of all, there is a huge difference between boys and girls in relation to school attendance. For instance, according to the Literacy Rate 2011 census female literacy levels are 65.46% where the male literacy is over 80%.This is due to religion and cultural reasons and it is a matter of fact that in rural areas girls are not receiving equal access to primary education. But what are the real reasons

that involve children to this habit? We think the main ones are economic and cultural. The villages we are talking about have subsistence economies, often the only source of income and living, based on agriculture. Therefore, it is common for the children to help their parents in working and for girls to staying at home and help with housekeeping. In addition, menstrual period is a serious problem which involves girls attending school. Since it is considered a taboo, girls usually stay home to respect their traditional social customs. Indeed, their family would prefer to “protect” them in any situation, not only during their periods but also in their everyday life. For instance, the child marriage which is very common in rural areas is a form of “protection” by their parents: is the only way they have to protect family honour. Child marriage is also a fact of money of course. It is normal for the girl’s family to provide a dowry, but it the boy’s side of the family can raise the dowry if they suspects he has been in school with boys during puberty. 

What has HEEALS done for education among boys and girls in rural villages in India?

Since 2010 Heeals is strongly concerned in programmes with villages and rural communities about Wash; Menstrual Hygene and Health; Education. Our mission is to deal against taboos that involve fear and insecurity in people and in children above all. One of our major project is “pads for girls” and we strongly think that giving help and health care could change traditional habits about periods and let girls feel free. The Course of Self-defence we are planning is also an important opportunity for girls to reach a physically and mentally security. Furthermore, our workshops and projects are even made for boys, because it is fundamental to include everybody in order to change dangerous habits.

-Nancy

(wash intern)

REFERENCES

https://mhrd.gov.in/sites/upload_files/mhrd/files/statistics-new/ESAG-2018.pdf

http://censusindia.gov.in/Census_And_You/literacy_and_level_of_education.aspx

http://www.mospi.gov.in/sites/default/files/reports_and_publication/statistical_publication/social_statistics/Chapter_3.pdf

https://www.survivalinternational.org/about/schooling

https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/economy/indicators/india-to-be-the-fastest-growing-economy-this-year-despite-risks-of-global-slowdown-rbi-governor/articleshow/68867227.cms

https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/the-largest-countries-in-the-world-the-biggest-nations-as-determined-by-total-land-area.html

https://jolkona.org/report-on-girls-education-in-india/

Stop Child Marriage & MHM Workshop

Stop Child Marriage ,Menstrual Hygiene Workshop & Distributed Sanitary pads ,WhiteBoard, marker & Wash & Menstrual Hygiene Booklet in Bhatipura Village Uttar Pradesh.

For more pictures please visit our picture gallery or Facebook Page .Thank You !

Stop Child Marriage & MHM Workshop

Stop Child Marriage ,Menstrual Hygiene Workshop & Distributed Sanitary pads ,WhiteBoard, marker & Wash & Menstrual Hygiene Booklet in Bhatipura Village Uttar Pradesh. 

For more pictures please visit our picture gallery or Facebook Page .Thank You !

 

What is Indian Government doing to prevent Child Marriage?

The first social reform issue which was taken up by the organized women in India was the “Child Marriage Restraint Act”, or the “Sharda Act” od 1929. Its goal was to eliminate the dangers placed on young girls who could not handle the stress of married life and avoid early deaths. This act prohibited marriage involving girls below the age of 15 years old, and boys below 18. 

Although this is a victory for the women's movement in India, the act itself was a complete failure. In the two years and five months it was an active bill, there were 473 prosecutions, of which only 167 were successful. The Act remained a dead letter during the colonial period of British rule in India, and this was largely due to the fact that the colonial British government did nothing to propagate awareness of it, especially in smaller towns and villages of India.

In 1978, the law was amended to make it more effective and raise the minimum age of marriage by three years: from 15 to 18 years in case of girls and from 18 to 21 years in case of boys.

To ensure that child marriage is eradicated from within the society, the Government of India enacted the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 replacing the earlier legislation of Child Marriage Restraint Act, 1929. The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 (PCMA, 2006) was notified to overcome the constraints of the former legislations in effectively dealing with the problem of child marriages in India and to put in place a comprehensive mechanism, and still exists as the primary legislation dealing with child marriage today.

The PCMA applies to all citizens of India regardless of religion, with exceptions for the state of Jammu and Kashmir and the Union Territory of Pondicherry.Under the PCMA:

• The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 makes it illegal for girls to marry under 18 years and for boys under 21 years. Child marriage can be made voidable by the child but within two years of becoming an adult.

• Child marriage is a punishable offence with a fine up to INR 100,000, or up to two years of imprisonment, or both. It is a non-cognizable and non-bailable offence.

• Dowry was prohibited in 1961 by the Dowry Prohibition Act, with a fine up to INR 15,000, or the dowry amount, whichever is higher, and imprisonment for between six months and five years.

Other laws that may provide protection to a child bride include the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000, the Domestic Violence Act, 2005, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012. The government has also used adolescents’ empowerment programmes (Kishori Shakti Yojana), awareness-raising to encourage behaviour change related to child marriage and cash incentives (such as theDhanLaxmi scheme and the Apnibetiapnadhun programme).

DID APNI BETI APNA DHAN HELP PREVENT CHILD MARRIAGE? In a nutshell, not really. Although the programme gave families an incentive to keep their daughters in school until the 8^th grade, ICRW found that it had no effect on girls getting married before 18.

Only a small proportion of girls (14%) were married when the programme was evaluated. Most telling, there was no significant difference between girls who took part in ApniBeti Apna Dhan and those who didn’t. The programme accompanied a shift that was already happening in the state of Haryana – girls staying in school longer and delaying marriage – but did not cause the change.

On the contrary, the programme may have encouraged families to marry off their daughters once they turned 18. Girls whose families benefited from the conditional cash transfers were 59% more likely to be married once they turned 18 than girls who hadn’t participated. In fact, many families waited to cash in the money at the end of the programme as they saw it a way to cover their daughter’s marriage and dowry expenses.

Yet just as there is a lack in government ability to transform policy into action, so is there a potential for NGOs to fill this gap with information.HEEALS(Health, Education, Environment And Livelihood Society), is an organization directly involved in girls education and child marriage in India. It is working on Water Sanitation, Menstrual Hygiene and Children Education projects in seven states. Through spreading education on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene and organizing WASH and MH workshop, HEEALS is working to increase the attendance rates of girls in schools who drop out from school due to child marriage. HEEALS works in marginalized communities, slum schools, schools in unauthorized colonies, orphanages and refugee camps to increase the attendance rates of pupils in schools who leave their studies, reduce the number of diseases and deaths and improve the health of people across Indian society.

Caterina

WASH & Children Health Education

Coordinator

REFERENCES:

·         Goswami, Ruchira (2010). "Child Marriage in India: Mapping the Trajectory of Legal Reforms".

·         Wikipedia – Child Marriage in India, Child Marriage Restrain Act of 1929

·         http://childlineindia.org.in/pdf/Child-Marriage-handbook.pdf

·         https://www.unicef.org/rosa/sites/unicef.org.rosa/files/2018-03/EndingChildMarriage-India.pdf

·         https://govinfo.me/apni-beti-apna-dhan-yojana-haryana/

·         https://www.girlsnotbrides.org/economic-incentives-enough-prevent-child-marriage-findings-haryana-india/

Why Child Marriage is happening in India?

Child marriage in India, according to the Indian law, is a marriage where either the woman is below age 18 or the man is below age 21. Most child marriages involve underage women, many of whom are in poor socio-economic conditions.

Yet, recent data indicates that in the last decade there has been a significant decline in the prevalence of child marriage from 47 per cent to 27 per cent of the proportion of women aged 20-24 years who were married before age 18 from 2005/2006 to 2015/2016. National and state averages, however, mask realities at the district level, and despite the overall decline, a few districts continue to have very high rates of child marriage. Indeed, India has the largest number of brides in the world – one-third of the global total. (Child marriage rates among women in a few districts of Rajasthan and Bihar, continue to be in the range of 47 per cent to 51 per cent).

There are many causes of child marriage in India and multiple barriers to its elimination. Child marriage is driven by gender inequality and the belief that girls are somehow inferior to boys. In India, child marriage is also driven by:

·       Poverty: Child marriage is more common among poorer households, with many families marrying off their daughters to reduce their perceived economic burden. Girls are often married off at a younger age because less dowry is expected for younger brides.

·      Betrothal: Some girls are promised in marriage before they are born in order to “secure” their future. Once they reach puberty, ceremonies take place and they are sent to their husband’s home to commence married life.

·       Level of education: Many families consider girls to be parayadhan – someone else’s wealth. This means that a girl’s productive capacities benefit her marital family, and educating daughters is therefore seen as less of a priority than educating sons, who are responsible for taking care of biological parents in old age.

·      Household labour: Girls are often married off at puberty when they are deemed most ‘productive’ and can take care of children and conduct housework. The labour of young brides is central to some rural economies. The practice of attasatta sees two extended families exchange girls through marriage so neither family is worse off in terms of household labour.

·     Traditional customs: Customary laws based on religion are a major barrier in ending child marriage in India. Social pressure to marry at puberty can be enormous within certain castes.

·     Gender norms: There is generally a lower value attached to daughters, and girls are expected to be adaptable, docile, hardworking and talented wives. Child marriages are sometimes used to control female sexuality, sanctify sex and ensure reproduction.

·     Pre-marital sex: Marriage is used to preserve the purity of girls as soon as they reach puberty and, sometimes, to ensure that they are not “corrupted” by men of lower castes. There is a high premium placed on virginity, and as such it is sometimes considered more punya (holy) to marry off younger girls. Fathers sometimes lose credibility within communities if their daughters have sex or get married without their consent. Differentiation is made between jaangdaan (when a girl is so young she can sit on her father’s lap during a marriage ceremony) and pattaldaan (when she has attained puberty and can sit on a pedestal beside her father).

   Violence against girls: Some girls are married off due to fear of kharabmahaul – the corrupted external environment – and reports of the rape of women in public spaces. However, a 2014 study found that child brides in India are at greater risk of sexual and physical violence within their marital home.

HEEALS (Health, Education, Environment And Livelihood Society), is an organization directly involved in girls education and health in India. It is working on Water Sanitation, Menstrual Hygiene and Children Education projects in seven states. Through spreading education on Water, Sanitation and Hygiene and organizing WASH and MH workshop, HEEALS is working to increase the attendance rates of girls in schools who drop out from school due to child marriage. HEEALS works in marginalized communities, slum schools, schools in unauthorised colonies, orphanages and refugee camps to increase the attendance rates of pupils in schools who leave their studies, reduce the number of diseases and deaths and improve the health of people across Indian society.

-Caterina

WASH & Children Health Education

Coordinator

REFERENCES:

·         UNICEF India Final report 2018

·         International Institute for Population Sciences and Macro International, National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4), 2015-16: State Fact Sheet for Bihar, Gujarat, Madhya, Maharashtra, Odisha, Pradesh, Rajasthan and West Bengal, IIPS, Mumbai, 2016.

·         https://www.girlsnotbrides.org/child-marriage/india/#stats-references

·         UNICEF-UNFPA, Global Programme to Accelerate Action to End Child Marriage, 2017, (accessed February 2018)