Gender equity aims to address prolonged disparity in society, focusing on providing all genders with fair and equal opportunities to overcome their unique challenges. It emphasizes the balanced allocation of resources, provision of opportunities, and responsibilities based on gender, ensuring fair and inclusive access. As our constitution demands free and compulsory education for all, SSK has initiated to implement many novel techniques and activities for the upliftment of girls and the marginalized sectors in the society. Kriyathmaka Kaumaram for the development of life skill, POCSO for giving awareness on personal safety from sexual abuse and exploitation, Rani Lekshmi Atma Reksha Prasikshan for confirming the challenges faced in the society by girls, career guidance for making students think about the diverse range of career opportunities and Sanitary pad vending and incinerator machine for girls to make them aware on menstruation and its associated health considerations are some of the activities related to Gender and Equity. These activities have brought positive results by giving the targeted students and face the challenges in life confidently.
Kriyathmaka Koumaram” – Karuthum Karuthalam (“Creative Adolescence – Strength and Care”)
This programme was implemented in schools under General Education as a part of the Adolescent Education Programme in the year 2023-24. “Kriyathmaka Koumaram – Karuthum Karuthalam” helped to boost up the self confidence of students of adolescents students. Identifying the varied adolescents problems and to help them confront challenges by fostering self confidence were the prime aim of this programme. State level workshop has been conducted to prepare a module for the programme. State / district / BRC / level training were also conducted to familiarise the module. At school level, a one day theatre workshop and recreational activities were organised. Teen clubs were established in schools. Sessions on life skills, mental health and reproductive health were also included. Training sessions were provided for students, parents and teachers.
Rani Laxmibai Atma Raksha Prashikshan
Training in martial arts / self defense training for girl children in elementary & secondary level. Providing self defence training for girls is crucial to equip them with the necessary skills and confidence to address potential threats effectively. Training in martial arts will improve the self-confidence of girls. Training on Kalaripayattu, Yoga, Karate, Kungfu, Sudo, Aerobics etc. were provided to the girl child in schools. Self confidence and self esteem are the ultimate results. Children with special needs, learning difficulties and hyperactivity are often recommended to participate in martial arts. The programme aimed to develop self-confidence among girl children, improve physical strength and self respect, develop social security, self-discipline, develop physical fitness and make them active and energetic in learning activities. Five Nodal schools and cluster schools were selected and each school entrusted a female teacher with the responsibility of implementation of the programme. Selected 35 students per batch and prepared training schedules. The participants were issued a certificate of merit on the successful completion of the martial arts / self defence training programme which was reviewed and assessed periodically. As a result of the programme, the students developed the courage, self confidence and self-reliance. This enabled the learners to live a stress free life. This provided recreational and creative engagements to children and ensured the physical and mental fitness of girl children.
Career Guidance
Career guidance helps students in making decisions regarding their education, training, and professional paths. Given the rapidly evolving landscape of career opportunities, today’s discussions among adolescents differ significantly. Career paths now evolve in response to a rapidly changing work environment & shifting industry demands. This programme aimed to educate and equip students on a diverse range of career opportunities, emphasizing traditional and emerging job fields. This programme helped the students to mitigate common challenges and misconcepts related to gender specific career roles and stereotypes. Identified schools in 168 BRC, through collaborative efforts and organised career orientation sessions led by industry specialists. Conducted workshops on resume writing interview skills and net working for career advancement offered. Counselling sessions were conducted to address individual aspirations, concerns and challenges. By this programme the self confidence of girl students in making career options was boosted. This enhanced the collaboration between educational institutions, industries and career experts for holistic career development.
Sanitary Pad Vending and Incinerator Machine/ Menstrual Cups
An incinerator machine is a device designed to safety and hygienically dispose of sanitary waste, including sanitary pads and other menstrual products. This programme aimed to install sanitary pad vending machines, incinerators and promoted the use of menstrual caps in the schools across Kerala. This programme enabled girl students to attend school confidently during their menstrual cycles and fostered a positive attitude towards menstruation and its associated health considerations. Through this programme children understood that menstrual cups can be worn for up to 12 hours which is comfortable and discreet, cost effective in the long run. It is very hygienic and the safe disposal, reduces waste volume by upto 90%, minimizes environmental impact. Selected of schools to install vending machines and incinerators, awareness was given to selected schools, then machines were installed and functioning mechanisms were monitored. It increased the accessibility to menstrual hygiene products, ensuring that girl students have the necessary resources during their menstrual cycles. It enhanced awareness and understanding among students about menstrual health, breaking stigmas, and fostered a more supportive school environment. It ensured the improvement in overall health and well-being of female students and increased confidence.
