Document Type : Original Article
Authors
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: “Gender” denotes the differences in the social roles of different sexes. This
interaction results in variable health outcomes and care‑seeking behavior. The present study was
conducted to find out the attitude of school‑going adolescents regarding gender equity and also to
explore teachers’ perceptions in this context in a school of tribal belt of West Bengal.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross‑sectional, mixed‑method study was conducted among the
students of classes eight to twelve, chosen by complete enumeration technique, with a predesigned,
pretested validated questionnaire. The questionnaire was based on Gender Equitable Men scale
and International Men and Gender Equality Survey questionnaire, comprising the following
domains: ‘Gender restrictions’, ‘Gender attributes’, and ‘Gender domination’. The respondents were
categorized into ‘high’, ‘moderate’, and ‘low’ groups as per their domain‑wise attitude scores. In‑depth
interviews (IDIs) were conducted among seven teachers chosen purposively. Thematic analysis was
done with the qualitative data.
RESULTS: Out of 191 students, 112 were girls (58.6%) and 47 belonged to scheduled tribe
category (24.6%). Overall, 170 (89.0%), 80 (41.9%), and 96 (50.3%) students had a high
gender‑equitable attitude regarding the domains of ‘gender restrictions’, ‘gender attributes’, and
‘gender domination’ respectively. Girls had higher percentage of high gender‑equitable attitude in all
the three domains (92.0%, 57.1%, and 50.9%, respectively). Regarding ‘gender restrictions’, 91.2%
had high gender‑equitable attitude in lower age group, compared to 81.4% in higher age group.
Among the lower and higher age groups, 52.7% and 41.9% respectively, had high gender‑equitable
attitude on ‘gender domination’. Gender inequality amidst poverty, women deprived of health care,
and gender violence were the major themes derived from the IDIs.
CONCLUSION: Girls had a better attitude toward gender equity. Laws regarding gender dominance
and violence should be focused. Conducting intensified awareness campaigns on gender equity and
addressing women’s right to health is a much‑needed timely intervention for the health of womenfolk.
Keywords
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