GENDER BIAS IN EDUCATION 

Gender-equitable education systems empower girls and boys and promote the development of life skills – like self-management, communication, negotiation and critical thinking – that young people need to succeed. They close skills gaps that perpetuate pay gaps, and build prosperity for entire countries.

Gender-equitable education systems can contribute to reductions in school-related gender-based violence and harmful practices, including child marriage and female genital mutilation

This study considers the gender inequality that exists among every region, social class and prevents the growth of Indian education systems. The reality of gender inequality of higher education in India is very complex and diversified, because it exists in every field like education, employment opportunities, income, health, cultural issues, social issues, economic issues etc. An attempt has been made to find out those factors which are responsible for this problem in Indian education systems. So, this paper highlights the multi-dimensional context of gender inequalities prevalent in Indian education systems. Overall, the study indicates the inequality in economic, social, cultural and legal biasness which are of a great challenge for policy-makers and social scientists to establish proper equality in the entire social field. The researchers have tried to suggest some relevant strategies and policies implication for reducing this gender inequality and to promote the dignified position for Indian women.

HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE 

 

• Gender inequality still exists in India within the households, workplaces and in larger society. As per 2011 data, effective literacy rates (age 7 and above) were 82.14% for men and 65.46% for women.

• In certain  developing nations like India, gender inequality starts manifesting itself very early, a girl child starts facing discrimination right from the womb and it ends in female foeticide. Female child is treated inferior to male child and this is deeply engraved in the mind of the female child. This is more predominant in India as well as other lesser developed countries. A male child is considered a blessing and his birth is celebrated as opposed to a female child where her birth is not celebrated and is considered more of a burden. The 2011 Indian census shows that there are 940 females per 1000 boys.

• Educating a boy is seen as an investment as they are expected to earn and provide for their ageing parents. Whereas, an educated girl will have a higher dowry expense because they need an educated partner. It is also believed to be a waste of resources to educate a girl child as she will eventually get married and be a homemaker. If a family cannot afford to educate all their children, the male child will get preference.