SCHOOLING OF GIRLS

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 SCHOOLING OF GIRLS: INEQUALITIES AND RESISTENCES

The schooling of girls in India continues to face persistent challenges due to issues of access, retention, and exclusion. These inequalities are rooted in socio-economic factors, cultural norms, and systemic barriers. Below is an exploration of these issues, accompanied by examples:

1. Issues of Access

  • Barriers:
    • Economic constraints often prioritize boys’ education over girls, especially in low-income families.
    • Geographical factors like remote locations and lack of transport limit girls' access to schools.
    • Social norms and safety concerns discourage families from sending girls to school, especially in rural areas.
  • Examples:
    • In states like Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, long distances to schools and lack of proper infrastructure deter girls’ enrollment.
    • A 2018 ASER report highlighted that adolescent girls often face mobility restrictions, reducing access to education.

2. Issues of Retention

  • Barriers:
    • Early marriage and child labor force many girls to drop out of school.
    • Poor sanitation facilities, particularly the lack of separate toilets, lead to high dropout rates during puberty.
    • Gender-insensitive school environments, including harassment or discrimination, discourage continued attendance.
  • Examples:
    • In Bihar, dropout rates for girls in secondary education are significantly higher due to early marriage pressures.
    • Studies show that nearly 23% of girls in rural India drop out during adolescence because of inadequate menstrual hygiene facilities.

3. Issues of Exclusion

  • Barriers:
    • Discrimination against marginalized groups like Dalit and tribal girls leads to exclusion from quality education.
    • Girls with disabilities face significant barriers due to inaccessible infrastructure and lack of inclusive teaching practices.
    • Stereotypes in curriculum and teaching methods perpetuate gender roles, alienating girls from subjects like STEM.
  • Examples:
    • In tribal areas of Jharkhand, Adivasi girls face triple marginalization due to poverty, gender, and ethnicity.
    • Dalit girls are often relegated to menial tasks in schools, as reported in incidents from Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

4. Resistance and Progress

  • Government Interventions:
    • Schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya, and Mid-Day Meal Program aim to improve girls' education and retention.
  • Grassroots Movements:
    • Community initiatives in states like Kerala have worked to create awareness about the importance of girls’ education.
  • Examples of Success:
    • In Haryana, the "Selfie with Daughter" campaign brought attention to gender inequality and promoted education for girls.
    • Kerala’s high female literacy rate (over 90%) is a result of sustained efforts in ensuring access and retention.

Conclusion

While progress has been made, addressing the inequalities in girls’ schooling requires comprehensive efforts, including improving infrastructure, combating societal norms, and fostering inclusive school environments. By ensuring access, retention, and equity in education, India can unlock the immense potential of its young girls for a more equitable society.


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