Educational Equity: An Excellent Tool for Achieving Gender Parity

By Atulya VK.

I’m sure we all have memories of our parents scolding us to focus on studying and earn good grades.As children, we get annoyed with their persistent pestering, but as adults, we also understand their concerns. Education is one of the basic rights that everyone is entitled to. But it is also a cruel reality that still today there are unprivileged people deprived of their right to education, either due to financial problems or the underlying problem of gender disparity. Through the implementation of programs like the national education policy and midday plans, the government aims to give basic education to every child. However, considering the ever expanding population, there is still a long way to go before achieving the goal of high quality education. Therefore, it’s also critical to comprehend the connections between gender equality and the availability of high-quality education, as well as how factors like rising male preference might contribute to gender inequality.

Reduce gender bias: A far more pronounced gender disparity can be evidently seen among the impoverished and rural populations, where parents are more inclined to prioritize their sons’ education over their daughters’. It is in fact something that’s engraved into their psyche to look upon the males as the future breadwinners while the daughters are looked upon as liabilities to be married off, resulting in a gender gap that prevents men and women from having equal access to higher education. In order to ensure the prosperity of future generations, it is imperative to provide necessary educational facilities. Even though there is still a long way to go, several government initiatives, such as midday meal programs, mandatory primary education, and girl education plans, encourage parents to take their kids to school rather than having them work as labourers.

Literary Empowerment: Education gives people a sense of authority, and it can greatly aid in the empowerment of women when everyone has equal access to education. With the knowledge, skills, and self-confidence that education bestows, women are more equipped to engage in the social, political, and economic arenas. However, a major portion of girls and women have frequently faced barriers while embarking on their educational journey. Their access to higher education is often limited because of worries about their well-being, safety, and future plans, among other things. Well, the concerns make sense due to the existence of this cruel world, which still doesn’t assure women’s safety, causing them to resist the idea of challenging their limits. Therefore, a vital first step in attaining gender equality is expanding educational opportunities for all people, regardless of gender. Equal educational opportunities would create a solid foundation for a strong and progressive nation with equal participation of all genders, in every sector. 

Impacts: Educational opportunities hold great power to influence a change in economic and political temperaments as well. As with flourishing literacy, women are more likely to enter the workforce, pursue higher-paying careers, engage in civic activities, like participating in political processes, and advocate for policies that promote gender equality as well. With proper education, one can also impart an attitude of respect and equality in people’s minds, reducing the number of gender-based violent acts. The general well-being of educated women and their families would also be enhanced by their increased understanding of family planning, nutrition, and healthcare. Therefore, along with breaking misconceptions and conventional gender stereotypes, equal education would also play a significant role in expanding one’s knowledge and fostering a sense of awareness regarding their values and rights.

Online platforms: Through small initiatives even educational institutions can play a significant role in maintaining a sense of equality among its students. Also with the increased advancement in technology, various online platforms have initiated their ways of spreading awareness and helping people gain the opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills. Online learning procedures are inclusive of interactive modules, webinars, and self-paced courses, creating flexibility that is especially helpful for women who are continuing their future studies while working and girls who might be responsible for caring for others or who encounter cultural difficulties while trying to attend traditional classrooms at specific times. Moreover, being based on an online platform, it believes in equitable treatment, rejecting any kind of gender disparity in the educational system. Thus, it also often eliminates the need for pricey materials, expensive transportation, and perhaps even tuition. Because of its affordability, education may become more accessible to people, particularly women, who might have fewer resources. Thus the online educational platforms are seen as encouraging equal chances for anyone who is passionate about learning, regardless of their gender.