How Gender inequality is mistakenly learnt from the home

Often, we mistakenly pass on erroneous gender and social constructs to our children. It only happens because patriarchy is so deeply ingrained in our society for a long time.

There is a huge outcry against women-related crimes in India today. However, if we are not paying attention to the fault lines pervading our culture and social environment, and if we don't not take steps to mend our ways, our situation is only going to get worse.

The video below is just a reminder of our own biases reflecting back at us, and the dangers of our own biases attitudes being picked up by young minds.

Change must begin from us, and as families are the most basic unit of a society, we must begin gender sensitisation from our homes.

Here are 5 things that we all can do to start practising Gender Sensitivity at home, and help build a society that treats and respects all gender equally.

1. Start by making our language free of gender bias

Refrain from using gender-specific statements like, “boys will be boys”, "don’t be such a girl" or "man-up".

2. Change the way we look at gender roles

Every day, encourage yourself and your child to do one task that is not associated with your genders.

3. Change the age-old gender constructs that compartmentalise people

Tell them that boys too can cry, and teach girls how to defend themselves

4. Break free from gender-based social expectations

Tell them that both men and women are strong and independent. Show them role models of both genders and help them see that greatness does not depend on genders.

5. Raise children to be independent, irrespective of their genders

Teach both boys and girls to cook, clean and look after themselves

6. Stand up for gender justice

Be intolerant against gender-based harassment and crimes, and show them the importance of standing up for others

Inequality gets learnt. Equality needs teaching.

Unknowingly, children are being taught gender inequality. Let's PREACT to reverse this. We don't have to fall back in the trap of gender-related menaces and crimes. Work now to make our country safer for our children.

Only when children are gender sensitised from an early age, will it reflect back in our society. Gender sensitisation right from the schools is a correct step in this direction.

Join Tata Tea’s movement to make gender sensitisation programmes compulsory in schools. Sign the petition by clicking here or by calling 7815966666 toll free.

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