Children books break gender stereotypes

A series of five children books challenging the prevailing fundamental constructs of gender in the society was released at the New Zealand High Commission here today.
The books, by NGO and literary house 'Katha' in association with the High Commission's Head of Mission Fund (HOMF), are aimed at creating awareness about gender equality.
The launch attended by Delhi Education Minister Manish Sisodia, witnessed active participation from children and teachers from government schools.
Sisodia interacted with the children on the "universal" issue of educating girls and highlighted the role of a teacher in a child's life.
"It is encouraging to see how such story books help in sensitising children from the beginning. It is not that the issues that are discussed in these books are a subject of your society versus my society... They are universal and related to the humanity at large.

"The teacher has a remote control to all the menace we have related to gender issues in the society. They play a vital role in the overall development of the child. But they do not use this potential fully," he said.

One of the books titled, "Lachmi's War", elaborates on the importance of educating the girl child through the struggle the protagonist -- Lachmi.
Extending her support to the initiative, Joanna Kempkers, New Zealand High Commissioner to India, said while the issue of gender equality is universal, it varies in nature from one place to another.
"Not only does New Zealand have a proud tradition of producing some of the world's finest children's literature, we are also one of the top 10 countries for gender equality.

"It is a pleasure, therefore, for us to support an organisation like Katha that works to promote both children's literature and literacy as well as foster greater gender equality in the process," Kempkers said.
Other books in the series are titled, "Abba's Day", "Choo...Mantar", "One Magical Morning" and "One's Own Yet Different".
The books, available in both Hindi and English, will be distributed through libraries to children attending government schools and living in slums, as well as to students attending the Katha Lab School in Delhi.
"Around 90,000 children will directly benefit from this project," Katha's executive director Geeta Dharmarajan said.