Concept of sexual equality must be part of syllabus: SC

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 4)

Topic: GS1 – Indian Society ,GS2 – Indian Polity – Judiciary

Context

The Supreme Court has urged the government to include gender equality, moral values, and respectful behavior towards women in school education.

Supreme Court Emphasizes Gender Equality Education in Schools

• The court stressed that early moral training is essential to change societal attitudes.

• A judge noted that many schools either do not have moral education classes or cancel them for other subjects.

Gender Equality Must Start at Home

• The court highlighted that discrimination begins within families.

• Parents often focus on restraining their daughters rather than educating their sons about respectful behavior.

• The concept of gender discrimination must be eliminated from society to ensure equality.

Lack of Basic Education on Gender Equality

• A petitioner argued that the increase in crimes against women is due to the lack of gender equality education at an early stage.

• The petitioner emphasized that 50% of the population, consisting of women, live in constant insecurity due to increasing crimes.

• The court agreed that education is the key to changing attitudes towards women in society.

Women’s Independence and Social Awareness

• The court observed that many communities still believe that a woman neither belongs to her parents’ home nor her in-laws’ home after marriage.

• It stressed the need to recognize that a woman is an independent individual who deserves equal respect and rights.

• Awareness about women’s autonomy and their equal role in society must be taught from an early age.

Legal Awareness and the Role of Media

• The petitioner suggested that awareness about stringent laws against crimes like rape must be promoted in media and public spaces.

• It was argued that people often realize the seriousness of these laws only after facing severe punishments.

• Public awareness campaigns in cinema halls and media platforms can help spread knowledge about strict legal consequences for crimes against women.

Need for Systematic Educational Reform

• The court noted that environmental science was introduced in schools following a Supreme Court order and suggested a similar approach for moral education.

• The government has been asked to submit a report on steps taken to include gender equality in the school syllabus.

• The petition emphasized that reactive measures, such as increasing punishments after a crime, are not enough.

• Instead, proactive education and awareness are necessary to change the male mindset and instill respect for women.

Bridging the Gap Between Law and Society

• The petition highlighted the gap between legal provisions and societal attitudes.

• Identifying the root cause of gender-based crimes is crucial for effective solutions.

• The goal is to educate young minds, instill fear of law among potential offenders, and promote long-term gender equality.

Gender Equality In India:

Need for Gender Equality Education in Schools Early Awareness: Teaching children about respect and equality from a young age helps shape their mindset. Preventing Crimes: Educating boys about proper behavior towards women can reduce gender-based violence. Breaking Stereotypes: Helps eliminate gender discrimination that starts at home and extends to society. Legal Awareness: Ensures people understand laws against crimes like harassment and rape. Women’s Safety: Promotes a safer environment by fostering respectful attitudes. Long-Term Social Change: Creates a generation that values gender equality. Government Responsibility: Authorities must ensure policies supporting gender education are implemented effectively. Challenges in Implementing Gender Equality Education Lack of Priority: Moral education is often ignored in favor of academic subjects. Parental Influence: Deep-rooted biases at home may hinder positive change. Resistance to Change: Some sections of society oppose discussions on gender roles and equality. Limited Awareness: Teachers may not be adequately trained to handle gender-sensitive topics. Policy Gaps: No mandatory nationwide curriculum for moral education exists. Resource Constraints: Schools, especially in rural areas, may lack the funds to implement such programs. Media Influence: Negative portrayals of gender roles in media can counteract educational efforts.

Practice Question: Discuss the role of education in promoting gender equality and preventing crimes against women. How can school curricula be reformed to inculcate moral and ethical values from an early age? (150 Words /10 marks)