Constitution of India provides equalization of opportunities across gender. Society continues to discriminate between boys and girls.

The National Policy on Education 1986 recommended that provisions should be made for equal educational opportunities for girls. It was recommended with a view to removing disparities and attending to their specific needs.

The following factors contribute to a negative attitude towards the education of girls in our society.

(i) Considered Backward:

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Women by and large are still considered incapable of competing with men. Especially in areas of leadership initiative and boldness.

(ii) Incapable of Decisions:

It is considered that women are ‘not capable of taking their decisions.

(iii) Expectations:

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It is based on the role expectations boys and girls a discriminated.

(iv) Social Evils:

There are many social evils such as dowry system, bra price, prostitution, child marriage etc. in the society which contribute t lowering the self-concept of the girls.

(v) Stigmas:

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There are certain stigmas attached to women because of the discriminating perception of the society.

All these factors give birth to certain biases in the society which are unfortunately reflected in the school curriculum, text books and even in our behaviour wit the students in classroom.

Areas:

Three areas of the discrimination in textual content are as under:

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1. Thematic content:

We often see more topics dealing with men and those heroic efforts than women.

2. Linguistic content:

In language text books some of the expressions degenerate the state of women, for example do you cry like a girl.

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3. Teacher’s behaviour:

Sometimes through very subtle behaviour we also contribute to the misconception. For example, we may tell in a co-education class or in a girl’s class that it does not suit a girl to be a ‘tomboy’.

Suggestions to a Teacher:

As teacher we may like to reflect on the following to contribute to conveying a positive image of girls.

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(i) We should encourage the girls to be self reliant and provide them opportunities for preserving and fighting for self respect.

(ii) We should highlight the capabilities of girls.

(iii) We should encourage healthy competition.

(iv) There should be fair representation of women’s image and role.

(v) We should remember that girls are not a burden, bridegrooms need not be bought and brides sold.

(vi) There is nothing like men’s and work as women’s and work.