Kerala Introduces Gender Neutral Uniform For All Students To Prove That Everyone's Equa

Highlights

A government lower primary school in Valayanchirangara at Ernakulam district in Kerala took forward a step towards gender neutrality with the introduction of a common uniform for all its students. 

This new dress code was planned in 2018 and was introduced in the lower primary section of the school and this academic year when the schools were reopened after the pandemic induced lockdown, it has been extended to all students.  

It is recommended that a child should be taught from an early age that everyone is equal regardless of gender and the best way to learn this is from school. 

A government lower primary school in Valayanchirangara at Ernakulam district in Kerala took forward a step towards gender neutrality with the introduction of a common uniform for all its students. 

This new dress code was planned in 2018 and was introduced in the lower primary section of the school and this academic year when the schools were reopened after the pandemic induced lockdown, it has been extended to all students.  

Then headmistress of the school C Raji implemented this decision after the approval from the school management committee and parents teachers committee

She told ANI, "Gender equality was the main subject when we were talking about many factors to implement in the school. Therefore uniform came to mind. When I was thinking about, what to do with it, I could see that girls face a lot of problems when it comes to skirts. The idea of a change was discussed with everyone. 90 per cent of parents supported this at that time. The kids were happy too. I feel very happy and proud that this is being discussed now."

Under the gender-neutral uniform policy, all students can wear shirts and three-fourths of trousers. This uniform made the children very confident, said Suma KP, the present Headmistress in charge. "This uniform is very helpful for doing anything, especially for girls. They and their parents are very happy with this decision. The reason for this decision is the idea that boys and girls should have equal freedom and happiness," she added.

"Gender equality should be in the minds of students and parents. Girls face many problems when wearing skirts. Problems occur when going to the toilet and while playing. That too is a factor. This dress is derived from the concept of a gender-neutral uniform. This is a 105-year-old school. Therefore, there was no significant opposition from anyone. The decision of the Academic Committee was accepted by all. It got more recognition than we intended," said NP Ajayakumar former School Management Committee Chairman.