Fighter jets as gifts, Razia Sultan’s tale: Textbooks smash gender biases in Punjab

The Punjab Education Department has introduced a new gender sensitisation curriculum in Punjab government schools to challenge traditional gender roles. This initiative, a collaboration with NGOs Breakthrough and The Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab South Asia (J-PAL), has led to significant changes in the Class 6 to 8 English and social studies textbooks.

One such change is the story 'A Gift for Sidhak', where a young girl named Sidhak initially desires a kitchen set but later receives a miniature fighter jet after learning about women fighter pilots during the Republic Day parade. This story aims to break gender stereotypes and inspire students.

Another notable addition is a chapter on Razia Sultan, the first and only female Muslim ruler of Delhi, and Nur Jahan, the influential consort of Mughal Emperor Jahangir. The curriculum emphasizes women's contributions to history, such as Razia Sultan's military training and Nur Jahan's active role in governance. This shift in perspective helps students understand the limitations imposed by societal norms and encourages them to question and challenge gender biases from a young age.