Question

You are recently posted as a district development officer of a district. Shortly thereafter you found that there is considerable tension in the rural areas of your district on the issue of sending girls to schools. The elders of the village feel that many problems have come up because girls are being educated and they are stepping out of the safe environment of the household. They are the view that the girls should be quickly married off with minimum education. The girls are also competing for jobs after education, which have traditionally remained in boys’ exclusive domain, adding to unemployment amongst the male population. The younger generation feels that in the present era, girls should have equal opportunities for education and employment, and other means of livelihood. The entire locality is divided between sexes into both generations. You come to know that in Panchayat or in other local bodies or even in busy crosswords, the issue is being acrimoniously debated. One day you are informed that an unpleasant incident has taken place. Some girls were molested, when they were en route to schools. The incident led to clashes between several groups and a law and order problem has arisen. The elders after heated discussion have taken a joint decision not to allow girls to go to school and to socially boycott all such families, which do not follow their dictates. 

What steps would you take to ensure girls’ safety without disrupting their education?

How would you manage and mould the patriarchal attitude of the village elders to ensure harmony in intergenerational relations?

Answer 1

As the district development officer, it is crucial to address the tension surrounding girls' education and ensure their safety while fostering harmony within the community. Here’s a comprehensive plan to address the issue:

Steps to Ensure Girls’ Safety Without Disrupting Their Education

1. Enhance Security Measures:

   • Deploy Security Personnel: Increase police presence and deploy female constables in areas where girls commute to school. Ensure regular patrolling on school routes to prevent incidents of molestation and harassment.
   • Install Surveillance Cameras: Install CCTV cameras at strategic locations, such as busy intersections and near schools, to monitor activities and deter potential offenders.
   • Emergency Helplines: Set up dedicated helplines for students to report any harassment or safety concerns promptly. Ensure swift action on complaints.

2. Safe Transportation:

   • Arrange School Transport: Collaborate with local authorities and schools to provide safe and reliable transportation for girls. Introduce measures such as tracking systems in school buses for added security.
   • Promote Walking Groups: Encourage the formation of walking groups for girls to travel together to school, accompanied by trusted adults or community volunteers.

3. Community Awareness Programs:

   • Conduct Workshops and Seminars: Organize workshops for parents and community members highlighting the importance of girls’ education and its positive impact on society. Involve educators, social workers, and successful women from the community to share their experiences.
   • Sensitization Campaigns: Launch campaigns to change perceptions about gender roles, emphasizing respect and equality. Use posters, leaflets, and local media to spread messages supporting girls' education.

4. Involve Local Leaders and Influencers:

   • Engage with Panchayat Leaders: Collaborate with Panchayat members and influential community leaders to advocate for girls’ education and address safety concerns.
   • Identify Role Models: Identify and promote local role models who advocate for gender equality and education, encouraging others to follow suit.

5. Legal Awareness and Support:

   • Educate on Legal Rights: Conduct legal awareness sessions to inform the community about laws protecting girls’ rights to education and against harassment.
   • Support Victims: Provide counseling and legal support to victims of harassment and their families, ensuring they feel safe and supported in continuing their education.

Managing and Moulding Patriarchal Attitudes

1. Dialogue and Mediation:

   • Organize Community Meetings: Facilitate open forums where elders, youth, and other stakeholders can express their views and concerns. Use these platforms to address misconceptions and promote understanding.
   • Mediation Sessions: Arrange mediation sessions with respected community mediators to resolve conflicts and find common ground on educational issues.

2. Highlight Economic Benefits:

   • Economic Empowerment Workshops: Present evidence of the economic benefits of educating girls, such as increased household income and improved community well-being.
   • Success Stories: Share success stories of educated women contributing to their families and communities, showcasing the tangible benefits of education.

3. Incentivize Education:

   • Scholarships and Incentives: Introduce scholarship programs and financial incentives for families that support girls’ education. Highlight government schemes offering benefits to families who educate their daughters.
   • Recognition Programs: Establish recognition programs for families and communities actively promoting girls’ education and gender equality.

4. Leverage Policy and Legislation:

   • Enforce Education Policies: Work with the education department to enforce existing policies and laws supporting compulsory education for all children.
   • Promote Gender Equality Laws: Advocate for and support policies that promote gender equality and protect women’s rights.

5. Capacity Building:

   • Training Programs for Elders: Organize training sessions for village elders on gender sensitivity and leadership, equipping them with skills to support change.
   • Empowerment Programs: Develop programs that empower women and girls through skills development, leadership training, and capacity building.

Conclusion

Balancing the need for girls' education with maintaining harmony in the community requires a multifaceted approach that addresses safety concerns, challenges patriarchal attitudes, and promotes dialogue and understanding. By implementing these measures, you can ensure that girls continue to receive education safely while fostering a more inclusive and harmonious community. Engaging all stakeholders and emphasizing the long-term benefits of education will be crucial in transforming attitudes and creating a supportive environment for all.