In a bid to boost confidence and break gender barriers, a government school in Kerala’s Kochi decided to adopt gender-neutral uniforms. Setting a precedent, the primary school in Valayanchirangara at Ernakulam district has made uniforms common for both girls and boys.
According to a report by Times Of India, the policy was first initiated by the then principal of the school C Raji in 2018. It was introduced now after the policy got a nod from the school management committee and parents-teachers committee.
Kochi: A Kerala govt primary school in Valayanchirangara, Ernakulam district has introduced gender-neutral uniform
Decision was implemented in 2018. It made the children confident; the idea is boys & girls should have equal freedom: Suma KP, Headmistress in-charge (19.11) pic.twitter.com/gZWgRft0dM
— ANI (@ANI) November 20, 2021
Speaking about the initiative, Raji said, “Gender equality was the main subject when we were talking about many factors to implement in the school. Therefore, the 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 percent of parents supported this at that time. The kids were happy too. I feel very happy and proud that this is being discussed now.”
After the implementation of the policy, the kids of the school are required to wear shirts and three-fourth trousers.
“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,” said Suma KP, the present Headmistress in charge.
While this comes as a move to reduce gender inequalities, it has also sparked a debate online.
Path breaking https://t.co/TACkCyKGY3
— Subhashini Ali (@SubhashiniAli) November 20, 2021
Why isn't the length of the shorts same?? https://t.co/urpbsNbGXF
— Ash (@pikachuwala) November 20, 2021
This should be implemented in every school of India.
This is why Kerala is a Progressive state https://t.co/ZBLysWyRIU— Kshitij Landge – कदम (@LandgeSpeaks) November 20, 2021
Good move. Gender is not in the dress, but comfort matters. And when u r comfortable, confidence too increases. Those who see gender in a dress need to keep away the stereotypical 👓 https://t.co/zi3wy2ttz7
— Sandy (@SandyAnant) November 20, 2021
Great and girls need not feel conscious in their tunics @nuts2406 https://t.co/sV0PmUDVVv
— Razia (@raziasworld) November 20, 2021
Absolutely appreciable & encouraging decision 👏
When in schools .. I always envied boys uniform ( for its freedom of movement & convenient feel )
Skirts .. yes looks good, but reduces your confidence level as a girl https://t.co/bQkF5N7RXb
— Veena D (@The_veenaD) November 20, 2021
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