SCERT audit uncovers gender stereotypes in Delhi school textbooks

Taking a step towards Gender Equality, the Delhi's State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) has introduced revisions to school textbooks. Post that, a comprehensive gender audit of 53 textbooks and curricula was conducted.
The audit organized by a committee, comprises of NCERT, Delhi University, Central Education Institutes and NGOs showed a significant gender bias. It included male-dominated content and portrayals of women in submissive roles.
In addition, a lack of representation for transgender individuals as well.

Following are the key recommendations from the audit:
Adoption of gender-neutral language
Illustration
Balanced representation of male and female contributors
Elimination of stereotypes

With traditional depictions, women performed household chores have been updated to include men . Moreover, now mathematics feature gender-neutral examples. The Home Science curriculum is revised as well , it depicts both men and women in professional roles and challenging conventional gender norms.

The SCERT officials laid importance on the fact that textbooks alone cannot shift societal attitudes ,it requires gender sensitization through school activities.

Following are the findings and recommendations :

-Gender Bias and Stereotypes Identified
The gender audit of Delhi government school textbooks showed important gender biases, the list mentions male-dominated content, submissive portrayals of women, and the lack of representation of transgender individuals.
Inclusive

- Revisions Implemented: SCERT has adopted various recommendations to reduce gender biases, the efforts involve: using gender-neutral language and illustrations, balanced representation of male and female contributors, and updating traditional gender roles, like depicting men in household duties and women in professional roles.

-Transgender Representation and Gender-Sensitive Content: The revisions have added the incorporation of transgender persons and their contributions, as well as the inclusion of topics like substance abuse and understanding ‘good touch’ versus ‘bad touch’ to increase student awareness.

-Promoting Gender Sensitivity Beyond Textbooks: Officials also highlighted that textbooks alone cannot change attitudes, so gender sensitization activities will be introduced in schools.

Beginning with the changing curriculum, the change begins.