Lesson – 7 GENDER EQUALITY

Objectives 1.To understand gender differences in society.

2. To explain the difference between gender differences and gender equality.

3. Make respect for women a part of behaviour while raising awareness about gender equality.

Gender equality means men and women should be considered equal on the basis of gender and gender should not be used as a basis when determining disparities for any personal or public purpose. This thinking still needs to be inculcated in our society. Under the guidance of the teacher, the students will do a thematic work to assess their current opinion in this regard.

Activity-1

The following statements provide information about opportunities and rights to work according to the gender of a person. Put a tick (√) against the statement which according to you is the most appropriate (as per 1-4 marks).

Sr. No.	Statement	Completely Disagree-1	Partially Disagree-2	Partially Disagree-3	Completely Disagree-4
1.	Birth of a boy is more important than a girl.
2.	Only a boy can serve his parents.
3.	Appearance of a girl is more important than that of a boy.
4.	It is the duty of only a woman to take care of the kids.
5.	Boys perform better than girls in Maths and Science.
6.	Boys obtain higher education than girls.
7.	Girls are less capable than boys in martial arts, rugby and football.
8.	Men are more capable than women to become the owner of land and property.
9.	Men are more reliable than women in returning borrowed money.
10.	If lady teachers get long leave, then male teachers should not regret.
11.	As compared to girls, money spent on boys for education is more beneficial.
12.	These days, men and women receive same kind of education and get equal pay.
13.	As the women are getting more and more rights, men are losing their status in the society.
14.	Women cannot do household chores and look after their family simultaneously.
15.	Men have more responsibility than women.

When you have answered all the questions given above, then add all the numbers and go through the table given below according to the total points you obtain.

Points	Suggestions
46-60 points Your answers are mostly the same as are considered acceptable in the society. You are satisfied with whatsoever way, men and women are doing their work in the current situation even if it means that women or girls have to go through frustrating situations like discrimination and wrong policies. You are not yet thinking that our society needs a change in the context of gender rights and duties.	Basic information about the principles of gender equality can help you to think about gender equality and appropriate practice.
31-45 points You have mixed emotions regarding the changes that can bring about gender equality. You are not sure what sort of difference, gender equality will bring about on the traditional roles such as the status and position of men.	You have valuable information about gender equality, but there are still areas that are upsetting you. Try to find out more about this thing, so that it may help to improve the level of your family life and the society as a whole.
16-30 points You have a good knowledge of gender issues and you know that women and girls should have equal access in every field and situation like that of boys and men. You support gender equality but there are some traditional gender initiatives and roles that you don't like to change.	You already have knowledge about the basic and advanced level of gender equality but you find it difficult to accept some concepts regarding gender. In such a situation, you must try to gather more information about proper knowledge of gender equality and share your ideas.
0-15 points You are the champion of gender equality and women's rights. You believe that gender discrimination is not justified and the concept about this is preventing girls and women to move ahead. You are aware of the fact that whenever women and girls get all the rights, then victory is won.	Your awareness of gender equality is enhanced. You can consider yourself the champion of the rights of women and girls. Your number is suggesting that you have much potential and you are prepared to put into practice the knowledge of gender equality. You can share your thoughts about gender equality with your family and friends.

 

Activity 2: Activities to arouse awareness about gender diversity

Read the given list and find out which words, according to you, are for boys and which are for girls.

1. Dancing

2. To save someone

3. Teaching

4. Cooking

5. Pink colour

6. Doctor

7. Nurse

8. Car

9. Scientist

10. Blue colour

11. Cleaning and dusting

12. Lawyer

13. Engineer

14. Bright

15. Mathematician

Once you have completed this procedure, ask yourself the following questions:

1. What made you give that answer?

2. Where do you think is this thought coming from?

3. Is it true that some things are only for boys and some are only for girls?

Activity-3

Have a look at Circle of Equality No: 1 first and then fill Circle of Equality No.2:

Circle of Equality

Circle of Equality-1

Disputes over property will be less in the society.

Men will feel less burdened.

Both the children (boys and girls) will have more equal and secure future.

Women will be more secure during the time of crisis.

If women get equal right to property, then…………..

Circle of Equality

Circle of Equality-2

 

In our society, women are not considered equal to men at many places and imbalances are made the basis of working life. The purpose of this lesson is to dispel such thinking from the minds of students.

 

PREVENTION OF SEXUAL ABUSE

Objectives 1. To create awareness about gender-based misconduct.

2. To know the historical aspects of gender inequality.

3. Students to be the leaders against gender misconduct.

We have a long historical background of gender discrimination which has been witnessed in the form of "Sati Pratha', 'Parda Pratha', 'Polygamy' and 'Denial to widow re-marriage'. Its latest form is being witnessed in the form of female foeticide and honour killings. Such misconduct is a blur on the face of our society.

Activity-1

First of all, under the guidance of the teacher, all the students will raise their standard of thinking by giving their reactions on some statements regarding gender discrimination. The students will use one of the options given within bracket to show their reaction to each of the following statements (Fully Agree, Partially Agree, Partially Disagree and Fully Disagree):

Statements:

(1) Boys and girls are equal in the society.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

(2) Girls can also do public works like the boys.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

(3) Boys and girls should get equal rights.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

(4) Boys and girls should have equal duties towards the society.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

 (5) Boys and girls should enjoy equal status in all aspects.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Activity 2: Drama Narrative

Surjeet had been very happy since morning. It was her marriage anniversary today. Greetings were coming from all around. She had received many calls from her husband living abroad. This week, he had given her pleasant surprise by sending her expensive gifts. Surjeet had been recalling the moments that she had spent with her husband and family again and again. She had been thinking if her husband would have been with her. She could have spent the day with greater joy. Suddenly, she realized that she could share this joy with her two kids. She planned to go for a picnic at the nearby picnic spot. Her kids had been desiring to do so for almost a week. She reached there with both her kids in the afternoon. On reaching there, the happiness of the kids knew no bounds. They were chit-chatting happily.

Palak: Wow! What a beautiful place!

Deepu: We would enjoy a lot, Didi.

Surjeet: Don't get so excited, Palak.

Palak: with depressed heart) Okay, Mom!

Surjeet: (to Deepu) Do you like this place?

Deepu: Yes, Mom. I like it very much. What a beautiful scene! What a pleasant weather!

Surjeet: Lets's have water balls first.

Palak: Oh, yes Mom! It will be great fun! (Surjeet looks at Palak angrily and Palak goes silent).

Surjeet: (to Deepu) Which one will you have- semolina or flour?

Palak: (Shouts at once.) Semolina! Semolina!

Surjeet: (Scolding her.) Who has asked you? Why do you start talking nonsense?

Deepu: (Irritated) Why do you do so with Palak again and again. You are getting cross with her without any reason.

Surjeet: You are very wise! She is a girl. She must know her limits. Girls speaking in this manner don't look nice.

Deepu: Mom, what is the difference between boys and girls? What is it that boys can do and girls can't. Our teacher has told us that Gurbani also teaches- 'Why to speak ill of her who has given birth to the Kings

Surjeet: You don't teach your lessons to me.

(Two women were sitting nearby and overhearing them for a long time. One of them speaks.)

Woman: Dear sister, your son is right. Now the time has changed. The daughters have touched great heights. You must have heard the names of Amrita Pritam, Kiran Bedi and Gurmeet Bawa. These women have set noble paths in life.

Surjeet: (Realising her mistake.) Oh, yes! Whatever you are saying is very true.

(Taking Palak in her arms, pats her and says :) Today's party is dedicated to Palak.

(Happiness is visible on the faces of Palak and Deepu)

Worksheet

The following questions will be answered after mutual interactions and discussion in the groups on the basis of the above Drama Narrative:

Q.1. What would you have done if you had been in the place of the central character, Surjeet?

Ans……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Q.2. What answer you have given to Surjeet, if you had been in the place of Deepu?

Ans……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Q.3. What was the difference in Surjeet's behaviour towards Deepu and Palak?

Ans……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Q.4. How did Surjeet's behaviour change?

Ans……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Q.5. Which of the characters of the Drama Narrative did you find the closest to you and why?

Ans……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Q.6. Some pictures are given below. With the help of your teacher, write the names of the given personalities and also write the field in which they are distinguished.