The Higher Educational Institutions’ Gender Mainstreaming Trends
The idea of gender equality doesn’t sit well with our deeply ingrained patriarchal beliefs because we live in a gendered environment. In order to achieve gender mainstreaming, it must be possible for men and women to have equal access to resources and opportunity without gender bias. In terms of equal opportunities and results or compensation for labour, it is measured. Only in a society devoid of sex-based prejudice is this feasible. Research and higher education are important tools for empowering people and affecting social change. In addition to the setting of higher education, universities can be effective institutions for advancing gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in society at large. However, the education system continues to be gendered and gendering institutions.
The conversation regarding how gender inequality has been addressed in higher education and research is important for two basic reasons. First, gender binary systems are being politically challenged like never before by the rights of gender minorities, disrupting hegemonic gender patterns even while males continue to hold the majority of power in academia. However, it is important to not undervalue the fundamental gendered disparities that come from the distinct normative roles that are assigned to men and women. Even while the concept of a single dominant type of masculinity is being questioned more and more, institutional and cultural practices are what help gender maintain a social structure in which women and the feminine stay subservient.
Second, the Covid-19 pandemic and the preventative measures put in place have exacerbated already-existing gendered disparities and exaggerated long-standing advantages and disadvantages in society as a whole, especially in higher education and research.
Gender mainstreaming is necessary for this reason. As a key global approach for achieving gender equality, gender mainstreaming is a trend that is supported by both the United Nations and the treaties of the European Commission. Women and men are guaranteed equal access to and control over resources, opportunities, and benefits at all levels thanks to gender mainstreaming. Women’s empowerment and the advancement of gender equality are required under the UN Millennium Development Goals (MDG- Target 3). In order to achieve this, it is vital that we embrace a gender sensitive strategy, which calls on us to question and modify the words, actions, and behaviours that stand in the way of equality. India is placed 135th out of 146 nations in the World Economic Forum’s Global Gender Gap Report 2022.
To comprehend the rights of all people, gender mainstreaming is crucial, especially in education. The socialisation process gives males and females their gender identities. Gender stereotypes are widespread beliefs or presumptions about a person’s characteristics that are based on untrue and unsupported hypotheses. Gender refers to “socially constructed roles, behaviours, activities, and attributes that a given society considers appropriate for women and men.” Due to the differing physical, biological, sexual, and social functions of men and women, gender stereotypes are social and cultural constructs of these groups. They have their roots in long-held beliefs about the position and roles of men and women in society.
Higher education institutions are meant to be welcoming environments that give everyone the same treatment and chances. A holistic approach to growth and recognition of human value must be the aim of education. These organisations ought to incorporate gender concerns, which entail evaluating everything through the lens of “gender.”
The Constitution, which is the fundamental legislation of our nation, ensures that everyone living on Indian soil is treated equally. Article 15 bans discrimination on any basis while also urging the State to enact unique legislation for women and children. Regardless of gender, everyone is guaranteed freedom under Article 19 and everyone is guaranteed the right to life under Article 21, which includes the right to a dignified existence with all of the rights and freedoms that are fundamental to an individual. Article 19 provides freedom to everyone, regardless of gender, and Article 21 protects the right to life, which includes the right to a dignified living with all the rights and freedoms necessary for a person’s security and self-respect.
The State must create systems for holding people and organisations accountable in order to implement gender mainstreaming. Additionally, there should be regular evaluations of the results of legislative and policy changes that will aid in locating any gaps in the application of the law’s requirements. This will also aid in the planning of suitable infrastructure and resources as well as the adoption of proactive steps to combat institutional and individual prejudices that result in poor legal interpretation and application.
