Gender bias

2. PREFACE Gender stereotypes are the beliefs that people have about the characteristics of males and females. The content of stereotypes varies over cultures and over time. These expectations are often related to the roles that the sexes fulfill in the culture. We all carry biases that are based on gender; throughout our lives we receive daily messages about what is expected of different genders. As per survey done by students at schools in India, gender bias is still a major issue in schools. These biases are ingrained and it’s often impossible to completely get rid of them. Like you would have never ever seen the drums or clarinets being played on the birth of a daughter in your neighborhood or anywhere in our country and even if you have seen it, then only a few. In fact, we Indians are proud to be Indians of the 21st century, celebrating the birth of a son and only rejoicing when a daughter is born. However, we have a higher chance of overcoming our prejudices if we are more conscious of them. So, we have jotted down several tips and tricks which will help you to cope with Gender Biases.

3. Tips and Tricks to Cope with Gender Biasness Examine your own biases: Why : We all have sexist attitudes; we are inundated with messages as to what is demanded of men and women daily. These prejudices become established and getting rid of them is frequently impossible. However, we have a higher chance of overcoming our prejudices whether we are more conscious of them. How: Take a hard look at how biases might be affecting your attitudes or actions. Be mindful that the relationships, language, and behaviors that come naturally to you may express bias. Think about what conclusions you jump to about what boys or girls should dress like, act like, think about and feel. Try This : Practicing debunking stereotypes is a good idea - Such implicit, subconscious prejudices can be reduced by exposing our brains to pictures that challenge preconceptions. Find photos that defy gender preconceptions, such as women doing building work or males in caring roles and display them in areas you see frequently at work or home Keep your language in check- We transmit messages about our aspirations for kids depending on their gender when we remark on how lovely girls look or how powerful males are, for instance. Contact a friend or relative - We require feedback since we are all oblivious to some of our prejudices. Discuss your gender prejudices with close friends and relatives and ask others if you are displaying gender biases that you aren’t conscious of.

4. Engage your kids in making your home bias free zone: Why : Children tend to observe distinctions amongst girls and boys, which can lead to gender stereotypes. How: Parents and families may help children develop healthy gender perceptions by fostering family routines and educating them to prejudice. Try This : Mix things up a little - Start a dialogue with your children about just how the family’s duties are divided. Instead of assuming things about who is doing what based on sex, speak of what is balanced and fair. Be prepared to model conduct that defies gender norms and demonstrate to children that you can go beyond your comfort bubble. Keep each other responsible for your actions - Inquire with your children regularly whether they believe your family’s behaviors are gender-biased in any manner. When your children notice prejudices or injustices at home, work with them to come up with remedies. Tell us about yourself- Speak to them about occasions when you thought you were unfairly treated or when you stood up to gender bias and unfairness. Relating your experiences allows people to share theirs.

5. Help your kids kicking Stereotype away : Why : Kids are frequently ignorant of the gendered prejudices they encounter daily, biases and preconceptions that can profoundly influence their gender attitudes. How : Adults must teach children how to detect bias about themselves and others, how to discuss prejudice productively with others, as well as how to prevent being affected by preconceptions. Try This : Inquire about the opinions of the children -Whether it’s at school, in the community, or the news, kids are masters at discovering inaccurate pictures about themselves and others. Make a list of all the gender norms you’ve seen or heard. Look for them while you’re watching TV, listening to music, or buying apparel. Discuss how these misconceptions make them feel with them. If you see a bias or prejudice that your children are unaware of, bring it up with them. Assist children in becoming first responders - Discuss with your children how they may react to prejudices they face in their everyday lives. Talk about different terms they may use to talk out, and how they could change depending on whether they’re telling a friend, a visitor, or a professor, for example. Inquire about their jargon - Whenever you hear youngsters using phrases to characterize boys or girls that are biased, encourage them to think what the words mean and what signals it could send.

6. Don’t be ok with boys offending others : Why : Too often boys’ remarks about girls go unchecked. Often both adults and kids’peers don’t know how to intervene when boys make demeaning remarks about. Yet excusing these behaviors as “boys being boys” sends them the message that those behaviors are okay. How : Take time to consider how to intervene when boys are demeaning to girls, and step in immediately Try This : Talk about real honor and strength - Point out to boys the false bravery in demeaning girls and the real courage and strength in defying one’s peers when they devalue girls in general or divide girls into “good girls” and “bad girls.” Talk about commonly used, denigrating words to describe girls and why they’re offensive, even when they’re used “just as a joke” or sarcastically. Brainstorm strategies with boys for talking to their peers about this denigration that won’t cause them to be ridiculed or spurned. Allow boys to express their full selves - Encourage them to talk about vulnerabilities and worries and appreciate them when they do. Teach boys to value and stand up for girls and women - Help boys understand there. Reinforce that being an ally to girls and women means not just avoiding demeaning girls but also speaking up when others do. Show them that you support and appreciate the women in your life.