Understanding gender [[norms::A pattern or behaviour that is expected by someone.]]
Ever heard someone say, “Don’t cry like a girl!”, “Be a man!”, “Boys don’t play with dolls”, “Women should cook and take care of the house!” etc.
What do these statements have in common? They all link actions to a specific gender. These are gender norms.
In simple words, these norms change how we think into believing that we must do or not do something. They also create [[stereotypes::A fixed idea or image that many people have of a particular type of person or thing that is not always true.]].
Kerala’s efforts for [[gender equality::State of equal access to rights, opportunities, and treatment of all genders.]] in schools
Stereotypes often make their way into our lives. One of these ways is textbooks which we read in school, which often show men reading newspapers and women cooking.
Textbooks [[prescribed::Here, it means to give something to follow.]] to schools in Kerala will now show [[gender-neutral::Something that is not specifically targeted to a single gender.]] images, such as men helping in the kitchen and girls playing football and cricket with boys.
Books will also encourage students to aim high and work hard to achieve all their goals, regardless of gender.
Society’s reaction to this!
People have appreciated this move by the Government of Kerala. They want other state governments to create such textbooks as well!
Remember, hard work and determination do not discriminate based on gender. We should strive to follow our [[passion::A strong enthusiasm or interest about something]] without interference from others.
Quick Revision
Gender norms are rules like “boys don’t cry” or “girls should cook.”
These rules create wrong stereotypes about boys and girls.
School books often show men working and women cooking.
Government of Kerala changed textbooks to show boys and girls doing everything equally.
People liked this step because dreams and hard work are for everyone
