Kerala's gender-neutral school textbooks depict fathers working in kitchens

The Kerala government is advancing gender neutrality by updating school textbooks to depict men and other family members participating in kitchen work alongside women, challenging traditional stereotypes. This initiative aims to break down entrenched gender roles and foster inclusivity from an early age.

When students and parents returned from a two-month summer break, they found new teaching materials showcasing progressive gender roles, notably featuring fathers involved in domestic tasks traditionally associated with women.

One notable image from a Class 3 Malayalam-medium textbook, shared by General Education Minister V Sivankutty on social media, shows a father scraping coconut while his wife cooks. An English-medium textbook depicts a father making snacks for his daughter.

These images have received widespread praise on social media, with many applauding the Kerala government for its efforts to combat gender stereotypes.

The viral images have initiated discussions on men's roles in domestic settings and the importance of shared household responsibilities.

This initiative is part of the CPI (M) government's broader push for gender-neutral education in Kerala, including introducing gender-neutral uniforms in some state-run schools and transitioning to mixed-gender schools.

Last year, the Kerala government reintroduced topics like Mahatma Gandhi's assassination and the Mughal Empire into higher secondary supplementary textbooks, previously removed by NCERT.

Parents and students can view the new textbooks with gender-neutral images on the official Kerala General Education Department website. The textbooks are included in the curriculum for various grades, with particular focus on Class 3.

Kerala's pioneering initiative demonstrates its commitment to fostering a more inclusive and equitable society, beginning with its youngest citizens.