Haryana Schools Lack a Basic Necessity for Girls
Recently, it was reported that there are more than 700 schools in Haryana that lack separate toilets for girls, which makes this one of the main gaps within education infrastructure within Haryana. This has generated a debate around gender equality, hygienic practices in schools, and the government.
Girls' toilets are scarce. Inadequate sanitation facilities have been known to lead to high absenteeism rates among girls, especially during menstruation. This deprives them of education while at the same time perpetuating or even enhancing gender disparities in the long term.
Education activists and parents vented their disappointment as now is the time to act. "How do we tell our daughters to go to school when the school itself does not even have basic facilities?" a parent mourned.
The state of Haryana, that has done a lot for education outreach, faces questions whether they are focusing more on gender-sensitive infrastructure. It is such a gap that mars flagship programs such as 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao,' which try to empower the girl child by educating her.
The officials aver that the redresses will start. Apparently, the state had been readying funds to unleash and start righting these flaws step by step. For most, it will be too little, too late; many girls have already made do with inferior education and fewer dignities.
This report is a wake-up call to the authorities that true progress in education is incomplete without ensuring basic facilities for all students, irrespective of gender.
