The gender-neutral dress code was planned in 2018 and was introduced in the lower primary section of the school.
When it comes to government efforts to ensure gender justice, the issues that come to mind are mostly those pertaining to preventing crime or setting up gender-neutral toilets. Kerala, however, has taken things a step further and believes in a holistic approach to encourage gender neutrality in the state. And it wants to engage a crucial section of the population which matters the most children.
So while a section of the country went up in arms over a teachers’ training manual meant to make the nation’s schools more sensitive towards and inclusive of all genders, the Left government in this southern state has announced that it would back the idea of gender-neutral uniforms in schools a concept that was perhaps hitherto unthinkable for students and academics alike.
Valayanchirangara government Lower Primary School, near Perumbavoor in Ernakulam district, which has a strength of 754 students has taken the first step towards gender neutrality and introduced a new uniform for their students– a 3/4th shorts and shirt, irrespective of the gender.
The new dress code was planned in 2018 and was introduced in the lower primary section of the school and this academic year when the schools were reopened after the pandemic induced lockdown, it has been extended to all students.
Vivek V, the current president of the PTA, who was also part of the executive committee of the PTA in 2018 which took the decision, told PTI that they wanted all the children to enjoy the same level of freedom.
“We got the backing of the students and their parents. We wanted all the students to have the same uniform so that they could enjoy the freedom of movement. This was first introduced in the pre-primary classes of around 200 students. It was a big hit which gave us the confidence to implement it for all other classes,” Vivek said.