Gender equity in secondary education in rural India: Issues and perspectives Dr. Anuradha R.V. Department of Education, The English and Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh. Email: write2anuradha@gmail.com Online published on 27 June, 2017. Abstract Gender equity is the measurable equal representation of women and men with equal value and equal treatment. It is needless to acknowledge that women's literacy and educational levels help secure social equalit y and human development, higher economic productivity and a tolerant democratic society. In spite of this the Indian rural girl child lags behind her male counterpart especially in secondary education. Indian traditional patriarchal norms have relegated women to secondary status within the household and workplace. The preference of sons over daughters has been responsible for such disparities, resulting in the neglect of females in food, education and medical attention, which in turn has been further affecting the sex ratio balance. However, such practices are hardly viewed as anything abnormal, due to several reasons like culture and religion, and a part of socialization. Socio-cultural factors like poverty, inadequate educational resources etc., and school related factors like curriculum that reflects the gender-stereo types, inadequate sanitation facilities, sexual harassment etc., are the reasons for this gender gap. Remedial measures like creating conducive ambience, arranging adequate sanitation facilities are required to bring in equity to develop rural girl child participation in secondary education. It is also important to engage the whole of the education development community. Without giving rural Indian girls and young women the opportunity to participate fully in secondary level of education, the social, economic, and gender disparities that result can undermine the achievements made for the well-being of citizens and their participation in the global economy. Top Keywords Gender Equity, Gender Gap, Rural Girl Child, Secondary Education. Top |