Sexual Equality Must be a Part of School Syllabus

Syllabus: GS1/ Society

Context

• The Supreme Court recently emphasized that sexual equality, along with moral and ethical training on respectful behavior towards women, must be integrated into the school curriculum.

Need for Sexual Equality

• Address Deep-Rooted Patriarchy: India continues to grapple with gender biases that limit opportunities for women in various fields. 
• Economic Participation: Gender disparity in education and employment contributes to lower economic growth.
  • Gender Gap in Education: As per NFHS-5, 70.3% of females are literate, compared to 84.7% of males. 
  • Labor Force Participation: In India, only around 37% of women aged 15 years and above participate in the workforce (compared to about 73% of men).
• Constitutional Mandate: Articles 14, 15, and 21 of the Indian Constitution uphold gender equality, and integrating it into education aligns with these principles.
• Gender-Based Violence: Educating children on gender equality from an early age can help reduce incidents of gender-based violence, harassment, and discrimination.

Challenges to Achieving Sexual Equality

• Deep-Rooted Patriarchy: Societal norms and traditional biases reinforce gender stereotypes, limiting opportunities for women.
• Educational Gaps: Lack of gender-sensitive curricula and inadequate teacher training hinder effective implementation of gender equality education.
• Workplace Disparities: Wage gaps, underrepresentation in leadership roles, and gendered career preferences continue to perpetuate inequality.
• Violence Against Women: Sexual harassment, domestic violence, and crimes against women persist despite legal frameworks aimed at protection and justice.
• Digital and Media Influence: Objectification of women in media and unchecked cyber abuse contribute to gender biases.

Global Efforts Towards Sexual Equality

• United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5: Aims to achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
• Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (1995): The resolution adopted by the United Nations in 1995 outlines key commitments for gender equality worldwide.
• Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW): Encourages policy reforms and legal protection against gender discrimination.

National Efforts Towards Sexual Equality

• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP): Promotes awareness and education of the girl child to combat gender biases.
• National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: Recognizes gender inclusion as a key priority and promotes sensitization programs.
• Nirbhaya Fund: Supports initiatives to ensure women’s safety and security.
• Digital Literacy Programme for Women: It is part of Pradhan Mantri Gramin Digital Saksharta Abhiyan (PMGDISHA) and empowers women to access e-governance services and financial platforms, helping them participate in the digital economy.
• One Stop Centre Scheme (Sakhi Centres), aims to facilitate women affected by violence with a range of integrated services under one roof such as Police facilitation, medical aid, legal aid and legal counseling, psycho-social counseling, temporary shelter, etc.

Concluding remarks

• Integrating sexual equality into school education is crucial for fostering a just and equitable society. 
• Implementing a well-structured and effective gender-sensitization curriculum can be a transformative step toward a more progressive and inclusive India.

Source: TH