Gender Sensitization: Problems and Strategies

Gender sensitization generally refers to theories which claim that modification of the behaviour of teachers and parents (etc.) towards children can have a causal effect on gender equality. As per the UNESCO document on Gender Sensitization ‘Gender sensitivity is not about pitting women against men. On the contrary, education that is gender sensitive benefits members of both sexes. It helps them determine which assumptions in matters of gender are valid and which are stereotyped generalizations. Gender awareness requires not only intellectual effort, but also empathy and open-mindedness. It opens up the widest possible range of life options for both women and men.’ Issues such as problem of sexual harassment, sexual stereotyping, Dearth of counsellor sensitive to complexities such as caste, minority experience or sexuality, Lack of Special emotional and academic support of both at the personal and institutional level for students from marginalized groups, Issues pertaining to Infrastructural and Health Facilities, Lack of encouragement or recognition for research, patenting, innovation in gender sensitization etc. are pertinent to ponder. Gender sensitivity helps to generate respect for the individual regardless of sex. A change in perception is the need of the hour and requires orientation of policy-makers, curriculum developers, media professionals, adult learners and even the public at large.