In a bid to eliminate representations that reinforce gender stereotyping and role classification in society, Kerala is all set to undertake a gender audit of school textbooks in the present curriculum.
As the State transitions into a knowledge economy, social justice and equality that underpin a progressive society assume more importance. Prevalence of gender inequality in education is seen as a major barrier to the progression course of the sector.
Being a primary tool of learning, textbooks play a significant role in forming values and attitudes. However, in the absence of accurate depictions, they can also lead to various biases. It is against this backdrop that the gender audit of school textbooks is being taken up on the directions of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan through the Vidyakiranam Mission and being implemented by the State Council of Educational Research and Technology (SCERT).
