Author: Smile Editorial Team

Ours is a truly global world. After the inventions related to publishing, radio, commercial flying, the rise of the internet search world with Google changed the way we understand knowledge and its application. DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) was one of the core building blocks of internet freedom. And this is where DEI in classrooms become the talking point?

DEI sensitisation benefits students by nurturing a multicultural mindset, fostering understanding and empathy while combating various stereotypes. DEI education from a young age is crucial. Just when a child is intaking and processing a lot of information, it is important to address systemic inequalities and empower them as advocates for social justice. “Catch them young” for building of logical reasoning analysis and sensitivity towards people of different socio-economic backgrounds is most desirable.

The responsibility for DEI is not only limited to organisations, involving the government, educational institutions, and nonprofits through inclusive policies that are implemented well in reality. Diversity in educational institutions mirrors the corporate world, with various dimensions like gender, age, abilities, religion and socio-economic background, creating a melting pot of diverse lived experiences and outlook on life.

Educational institutions across levels- primary, middle and high school, UG/Graduate/PG need to have intentional and directed practices of diversity, equity and inclusion to ensure that the democratic spirit of the nation remains blemish-free with India achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) successfully.

DEI sensitization means teachers have to make consistent attempts for the students to become culturally competent. All children must be aware of their own cultural beliefs and values while appreciating other cultures and respecting people for their beliefs, values and for who they are. The idea is to broaden their undersanding of acceptance and tolerance- one of the most important elements of a functional democracy.

Identifying and addressing barriers faced by students at policy level is important to create equitable education policies to address challenges that interefere with representational matters. We should remember that the challenges of rural and city/metro students might be different and would need different solutions to them. Then the challenges faced by girls and students belonging to marginalised groups and those who are at the intersection of multiple marginalised identities will be different too.

All schools should have accommodations for people with disabilities to deliver the promise of equal opportunity to education. For first generation students, schools should conduct additional coaching for these students to provide a level playing field.

Sensitising students about caste, religion and reservations and having difficult conversations around creating equitable conditions for those without privileges goes a long way in recognising privilege and building empathy followed up with affirmitave actions. These steps go a long way in identity-based discrimination which has the potential to disintegrate the cause of higher education institutions.

The power of words to break down gender inequality and historically-held gender-based stereotypes is key to building respect for marginalised and underrepresented communities in our children. Age-appropriate content in middle and high school fosters an appreciation for consent and boundaries, contributing to the normalisation of sexually-appropriate behavior.

Cultivating and encouraging a questioning mindset promotes better understanding, preventing assumptions that have the tendency to persist into adolescence and adulthood. All this affects the social, emotional, and cognitive development of students impacting their morale, code-of-conduct and self-worth.

Having diverse reading materials, inclusive language, and creating spaces for open dialogue can make DEI successful at schools. Equipping students with knowledge at an impressionable age can ensure that harmful stereotypes and discriminatory biases do not get carried into adulthood. Every stakeholder need to invest in upskilling teachers to become better as inclusive educators.

The job of our policy makers is to find mechanisims that upgrade the curriculum representating inclusivity and contribute towards breaking biases. Educational Institutions especially should focus on increasing diversity among faculty and staff members providing students with role models and mentors from diverse backgrounds.

How India is uniquely placed with DEI? India as a highly diverse country with numerous languages, cultures, religions, and socioeconomic backgrounds, so DEI is an important consideration in the education sector. However, resource constraints and cultural norms challenges continue to negatively affect the DEI initiatives in the Indian education system. Addressing this gap would require advocacy, research, and implementation.

Deliberate actions encompassing DEI enhances learning outcomes and also shapes empathetic future leaders with the capability of social inclusion in all fields possible across the world. This mindset is crucial for problem-solving attitudes in individuals committed towards social change.

“While disabled people are often presented as inspirational subjects in public spaces, their lives are still plagued by stigma and an indifferent social system.”

writes Abhishek Annica, a writer and disability rights activist.

As India struggles to represent its differently-abled citizens in its reports, the rising concern about the education of children who fall under the category of ‘special needs’ comes into sharp focus.

Why should we talk about this more?

Nurturing a child with special needs poses significant challenges for parents globally. In India, this endeavor is compounded by a healthcare system stretched beyond its capacity to cater to the unique requirements of these children. The educational landscape, still fixated on primary textbook education and exam scores, adds another layer of complexity. Additionally, a society influenced by superstitions often stigmatizes mental disorders by erroneously associating them with insanity.

In the more developed nations, the idea that regular schools should provide for specially-abled children as well has been around for more than five decades, something that India is still to achieve. Smile Foundation in its Mission Education (ME) programme tries to cater to the needs of special children in remote areas of India. But there are organisations who are fully dedicated to the cause of differently-abled people like in the list here.

Story of Subhashree

“My daughter Subhashree was born prematurely at 6 months and 8 days. Her birth weight was just 750 grams. When she didn’t cry, we had a doubt that she might have a problem,” recalls Subhashree’s concerned mother. At the age of five, Subhashree faced significant developmental delays. She couldn’t crawl, walk, or speak. The diagnosis came as a heavy blow— Cerebral Palsy. Her parents grappled with a sense of hopelessness about her future, unsure of how to navigate the complexities that lay ahead.

Her life took a transformative turn when she started going to a Smile center near her village in Puri, Odisha regularly. This center specializes in providing developmental therapy and life skills to special children, creating a supportive environment tailored to their unique needs.

The Smile center became a safe space for Subhashree, offering her more than just therapy— it provided a community that understood, embraced, and nurtured her potential. Developmental therapy, personalized to address the specific challenges posed by Cerebral Palsy, became the starting point for change in her life.

The center not only focused on therapeutic interventions but also emphasized the development of essential life skills. Subhashree, once confined by the limitations of her condition, began to experience newfound independence. Every small achievement became a monumental step forward— be it a supported walk, or the joyous expression of her thoughts.

Subhashree’s journey reflects not just her resilience but also the unwavering support and determination of her family. Her parents found renewed strength and purpose through their daughter’s remarkable progress.

As Subhashree continues to defy expectations, her story stands as a testament to the transformative power of specialized care and support for children with special needs. Her story inspires us to celebrate the victories, both big and small, and highlights the importance of fostering inclusive environments where every child can thrive. (Watch Subhashree’s Video here)

Smile Foundation and the Journey Ahead of Children with Special Needs

While there are special students like Subhashree in different Smile centers, Smile hopes to serve more and more children with special needs in its centers in the future ensuring that inclusive education is not only a photo op activity but the truth of those whose right to a life of dignity and opportunities is just as significant as people with no disabilites. A true democraric spirit lies in making all things accessible, affordable and available for all.

Looking for qualitative parameters in life is a natural inclination for several reasons, as qualitative aspects add depth, meaning, and richness to our experiences. Qualitative parameters help individuals define and understand the meaning and purpose of their actions and experiences. They provide a framework for evaluating whether activities align with personal values and contribute to a sense of fulfillment.

The pursuit of qualitative parameters in life is a reflection of our innate human desire for deeper meaning, connection, and personal growth. These aspects contribute significantly to the richness and fullness of the human experience. Similar to this, quality in education makes it possible for children to grow up into individuals who are well-learned and have possible workable solutions to the problems of their time.

Quality Education in India

Quality education holds the potential to be a transformative force for India, influencing various aspects of societal development and contributing to the nation’s growth. At the forefront, a skilled and adaptable workforce is a direct outcome of quality education. Equipping individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge for the modern job market is crucial for economic growth. Moreover, education nurtures creativity and critical thinking, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, which are essential drivers of economic prosperity.

Socially, quality education plays a pivotal role in empowerment and inclusivity. It acts as a catalyst for bridging social gaps, especially in marginalized communities, and serves as a tool for gender equality by empowering women and breaking down traditional barriers. An educated populace is more likely to engage in civic activities, contributing to good governance, and fostering an informed citizenry that actively participates in the democratic process.

On a global scale, education instills a global perspective, preparing individuals to engage with the world and enhancing India’s competitiveness internationally. Additionally, education contributes to health literacy, enabling individuals to make informed decisions about their well-being, leading to improved public health. Education correlates with lower birth rates, contributing to better family planning and population control.

The Cultural Aspect of Quality Education

Moreover, education is a key factor in preserving cultural heritage. It plays a crucial role in celebrating and passing down traditions, languages, and historical knowledge to future generations. Education contributes to environmental awareness, promoting sustainable practices and a sense of responsibility towards the environment. An educated population is more likely to engage in research and innovation to address environmental challenges, contributing to sustainable development.

In the area of technology, quality education ensures that individuals are digitally literate, a vital skill in the age of technology and information. A well-educated workforce is more likely to contribute to technological advancements, fostering innovation in various sectors. Furthermore, education serves as a pathway out of poverty by offering opportunities for economic mobility through improved employment prospects and income levels.

The Essence of It All

In essence, quality education is the cornerstone for a thriving, equitable, and sustainable society. By investing in education, India can unlock its full potential, fostering a generation of empowered individuals capable of steering the nation toward a brighter, more inclusive, and prosperous future.

Our flagship programme, Mission Education (ME) focuses on the quality education of underserved children of urban slums and rural remote areas of India. Our foray into STEM education and NEP 2020 ensures that children receive the best possible education in an environment conducive for their overall development.

Over the past three years, a staggering 35% of such conferences featured only male speakers, as revealed in a recent preprint posted on the bioRxiv server. The under-representation of women in STEM is particularly glaring in the conference circuit, indicating a systemic issue that extends beyond the gender gap in academic faculty.

The study, conducted by neuroscientist Shruti Muralidhar and cell biologist Vaishnavi Ananthanarayanan, uncovered that, on average, women constitute a mere 16.7% of STEM faculty across 98 Indian universities and institutes. Notably, biology exhibits the highest representation of women at 22.5%, while engineering languishes at a mere 8.3%. To put this in perspective, top-ranking global universities in the social sciences and public health boast a considerably higher proportion of women faculty, ranging from 33% to 54%.

Are Elite Institutions in India Doing Better?

This gender disparity is even more pronounced in Indian elite institutions, where the eight highest-ranked institutions have fewer female faculty members than the average, with a median of around 10%. The reasons behind this under-representation are multifaceted and complex.

Contrary to assumptions, the low representation of women in faculty positions is not due to a lack of interest or competence among girls in secondary schools, where girls often outnumber and outperform boys in STEM subjects. Even at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels, women are well-represented. However, societal pressures, particularly related to starting families, draw many women away from STEM careers. A lack of support and a sometimes-hostile work culture exacerbate the challenges faced by women in academia.

What about our Progress with SDG5 Goal of Gender Equality?

Ensuring gender equality remains a significant challenge as we approach the 2030 deadline for Sustainable Development Goal 5. Current indicators reveal a concerning status, with only 15.4% of tracked Goal 5 indicators on track, 61.5% at a moderate distance, and 23.1% far from reaching 2030 targets. Progress in critical areas is slow, requiring substantial efforts to meet targets.

In political representation, the global share of women in national parliaments slightly improved to 26.5%, indicating a mere 0.5-point average annual increase. At the local level, women hold 35.5% of seats, showcasing progress from 2020 but still requiring over three decades to close the gender gap. Legislated gender quotas prove effective, yielding an average of 30.9% women’s representation in countries with quotas compared to 21.2% without.

Despite women constituting nearly 40% of total employment globally, their representation in management positions lags at 28.2%. The slow progress indicates a 1.0-percentage-point increase since 2015, projecting over 140 years to achieve gender parity in managerial roles. Regions like Western Asia and Central and Southern Asia exhibit the lowest shares of women in management, approximately 15%.

Decisions regarding sexual and reproductive health rights reveal disparities, with only 56% of married women aged 15 to 49 having decision-making power. Supportive laws exist in 76% of countries, but barriers persist, hindering access to sexual and reproductive health care, information, and education.

Efforts to end child marriage have seen progress, with one in five young women married before 18, down from one in four 25 years ago. Yet, challenges persist in sub-Saharan Africa, requiring at least 300 years to end child marriage globally.

Discriminatory laws and gaps in legal protection pose challenges, with 55% of countries lacking laws against discrimination, 60% lacking consent-based rape definitions, and 45% failing to mandate equal remuneration for equal work. Closing these gaps may take up to 286 years based on the current rate of change.

The COVID-19 pandemic, conflicts, and climate change threaten to hinder progress, with an additional 10 million girls projected to become child brides by 2030 due to pandemic impacts alone.

Ensuring the land rights of women remains a concern, with data from 46 countries indicating insufficient ownership and tenure rights. While positive examples exist, stronger protection and enforcement are needed.

Mobile phone ownership, a potential tool for women’s empowerment, faces gender parity challenges, with women 12% less likely to own mobile phones globally. Gender gaps are particularly pronounced in Central and Southern Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, emphasizing the need for targeted efforts to bridge these divides.

All this data combined with recent findings on women representation in STEM conferences in India suggest that the nation needs to ramp up its activities on the ground with equitable representation of girls and women everywhere.

Real STEM is an Inclusive One

The findings signal an urgent call to address deep-rooted biases and challenges that hinder the full and equal participation of women in STEM fields in India. Advocating for systemic changes, from academic policies to conference organizing practices, is imperative to build a more inclusive and representative STEM community.

Smile Foundation is implementing the innovative NXplorers programme of Shell, extending its advantages to students in government schools in rural and hard-to-reach areas of Telangana. This initiative is not only focused on educating underserved students but also strives to raise awareness among parents, emphasizing the significance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education, particularly for girls.

In collaboration with the educational authorities of the state government, the programme ensures active participation not only from students and teachers but also from parents and communities. This inclusive approach is aimed at fostering sustainability over the long term.

Specifically tailored for children aged 10-12 years, the NXplorers Juniors programme is set to train and nurture young minds. Through engaging ‘NXplorers Junior Workshops,’ the programme aims to highlight the importance of water conservation, enhance food production methods, and advocate for energy conservation. The project aspires to impact 25,000 school children in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Telangana during the initial year of the Nxplorers programme.