On Thursday, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that the state’s school textbooks would be revised to inculcate a culture of gender equality.
Vijayan tweeted, “Kerala’s school text books will be revised and audited to sieve out words and phrases disparaging women. Steps will be taken to turn our schools and colleges into spaces that embrace the idea of gender equality and equal rights.”
“In light of the recent horrifying incidents of domestic abuse, Kerala has decided to take more stringent measures to create a fair society. The Government and the people will stand together to end this injustice. A fair society is one which treats women and men as equals.” Vijayan tweeted earlier.
Kerala has witnessed the horrifying deaths of three married women this week. Vijayan also highlighted that the society needs to reform its prevailing marriage system. “Marriage must not be a pompous show of the family’s social status and wealth. Parents have to realise that the barbaric dowry system degrades our daughters as commodities. We must treat them better, as human beings,” he tweeted.
He added that parents should make efforts to inculcate “progressive attitudes in their children.” “Men must accept the truth that women are not inferior and that they have equal rights. Youth organisations need to initiate awareness campaigns,” he said.
CM Vijayan also urged women to “raise their voice” if they are facing domestic abuse, instead of fearing what the society would think. The Government will stand by you and protect your rights. We will strengthen the already existing support systems and introduce innovative measures to provide assistance,” he said.
