Gender champion workshop empower 463 students from 14 govt schools

Mangaluru: Over the past eight months, students from 14 government high schools underwent a workshop in gender champion on equality, gender sensitivity, leadership, and communication.

During the convention for gender champions, they shared how they had experienced gender discrimination at home and how the training helped them challenge these biases.

Many students successfully convinced their parents to promote equality, encouraging their male siblings to participate in household chores such as sweeping and washing utensils.

The convention was organised by Development Education Service (DEEDS) in collaboration with the district administration, the Department of School Education and Literacy, and the Women and Child Development Department.

Grishma, a student from Government High School, Mullakadu, shared her experience: “As a girl, I was expected to do household chores. However, after undergoing training with DEEDS, I learned to speak up for my rights. I convinced my parents about gender equality, and now even my brother helps my mother with housework. My father has also started sharing responsibilities at home. I aspire to become a judge and work towards justice for women in distress.”

Vaishnavi, a student from Government High School, Sadashivanagara in Karnad, said: “My parents wanted me to get married at an early age. However, through the training, I realised the importance of education and convinced them to let me continue my studies. Now, they have promised to support my education as long as I wish to pursue it.”

Gangadhar, a student from Government High School, Kuppepadavu, said: “After attending gender sensitivity training, I ensured that my sister gets equal opportunities at home.”

Shruthi, another student from Government High School, Sadashivanagara, shared: “My sister was facing harassment at her in-laws’ house. After learning about laws related to the prevention of harassment, I informed my parents, my sister, and even my brother-in-law about legal consequences. Since then, harassment has reduced significantly.”

Students highlighted how leadership and communication sessions helped them express their opinions more effectively. They also noted that training on handling violence enabled them to avoid conflicts with their siblings, reducing verbal and physical abuse at home.

Deputy Commissioner Mullai Muhilan MP emphasized the importance of education in empowering women: “When a woman is educated, she has the power to bring positive change to her family and society. The gender championship programme plays a crucial role in shaping a better society and a stronger nation in the long run.”

Sharing his personal experience, the DC said his mother was one of five siblings and had to fight against many challenges to pursue her education. “When my mother’s parents stopped paying school fees, she collected tamarind and wove baskets to earn money for her education. She became the first graduate in my village in Tamil Nadu and inspired many others. Since she was a working woman, my sister and I were engaged in small household chores like sweeping from a young age.”

DEEDS Director Merlyn Martis stated that 463 students from 14 government schools participated in the gender championship programme from June to December. The students were also educated about the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and child helplines.

“In the coming days, we plan to include cyber security awareness in our curriculum,” she added.

Women and Child Development Deputy Director Usman, Block Education Officer HR Eshwar, and others were present.