At a time when the whole nation is out on the road fighting for the cause of women safety and gender sensitisation, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) launches its drive for Gender Sensitization in the national capital.

The 2-day workshop initiated by CBSE aims at teaching the future of the country that gender awareness and sensitisation is the need of the hour and that the children and educators of our country need to unite in this initiative.

This pioneer initiative undertaken on a national level was attended by over 500 teachers and students from 125 schools from all over India.

The event also marked the 150th birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda “Awakening India”, the man who spoke of social and gender equality, respect for women, tolerance and compassion. To commemorate this day, CBSE launched a brochure on Gender Sensitisation and Swami Vivekananda called “Awakening India.”

Day one of the workshop involved discussions on understanding gender and related issues, value based activities followed by a film screening and nukkad natak preparations on gender issues to be presented by the students on the second day.

The second day saw schools presenting the nukkad-nataks on issues like gender roles, gender harassment, gender equality, gender prejudice, gender stereotyping, gender subordination etc.

CBSE also launched a new category of awards called The Vivekananda School of Excellence Awards. The Board awarded 40 schools from across the country for their courageous work reflecting Swami Vivekananda’s philosophy. Speaking on the occasion, Swami Shantatmananda, Secretary, Ramkrishna Mission, said, “It is heart warming to see such a wonderful initiative by CBSE. The children of today are lucky to be part of a much needed awakening, the soul inspiration of which is Swami Vivekananda. ”

Speaking about the current situation of the country, Dr. Jitendra Nagpal, Child-Psychologist, was of the opinion that “Today is just the beginning of creating a stir in the society and actually making education Educative. Our children are the leaders of tomorrow and they have proved this by their mature thoughts on Gender.”

Chairman CBSE, Shri. Vineet Joshi expressed his immense pleasure on being part of such a genuine effort and wished to take this initiative forward. He said, “We did not need this ghastly incident to open our eyes but now we must take a determined step towards creating a tolerant society. Students have great potential to change the society. We must take help of the present generation who will be instrumental in influencing others.”

He announced the setting up of Gender Sensitisation Cell which would provide financial support to schools in their effort to create gender awareness.

The workshop is yet another step of CBSE towards a better tomorrow. Such efforts will make the future generation of the country live a more cordial and sensitive environment.