India: Kerala school introduces unisex uniform for students

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.

General Education Minister V Sivankutty said it was an admirable move by the LP school and the government will promote such gender-inclusive activities.

“Ideas of gender justice, equality and awareness will be emphasised during curriculum reform. But these lessons need not be restricted to textbooks. The admirable move by Valayanchirangara LP School. Students of all genders will now wear the same uniform here – short pants & shirts,” Sivankutty tweeted congratulating the school.

He said there is a need to initiate a discussion in society whether we need to continue with separate schools for boys and girls.

“It is time to start a discussion n society whether there is any need to continue with separate schools for boys and girls. The state government fully support the idea of unisex uniform for the students which is a step towards ensuring gender equality,” the minister said.

He said necessary steps will be taken to include gender equality and justice in the school curriculum.

KP Suma, the headmistress of the school, said the students are excited about the new uniform and the girl students will now feel more comfortable and confident in taking part in extra-curricular activities.

“The PTA had discussed the suggestion put forth by the academic committee and later took the help of a designer, Vidya Mukundan to select the design for the dress,” she said.

Vidya Mukundan, a Kochi-based designer and an aspiring filmmaker, told PTI that initially, parents of the students had certain concerns including how the girls will be able to use the toilet.

The Higher Education department had in the second week of November issued a circular in this regard after complaints came from many teachers that several institutions in the state continue to practise such policing.