Speaking at CNBC-TV18’s Future Female Forward event, Awasthi said that the seeds of discrimination often sprout in the very classrooms where boys and girls learn together. “I feel school is the best place to start these conversations, because when boys and girls are sitting in the same classroom, discrimination often begins right there.”
She highlighted everyday instances, such as teachers being more inclined to involve boys in outdoor activities, and stressed the need for conscious efforts from educators and parents to encourage girls’ participation in all spheres.
Education plays a pivotal role in overcoming deeply ingrained societal conditioning. Awasthi recalled her own childhood experiences in Bihar, where she was not allowed to step out of the house after 5 pm, a restriction that limited her opportunities. She believes that addressing such biases in schools can empower girls to grow up with the confidence to challenge these limitations and pursue their aspirations without fear.
“If we can address this in schools, I think girls will grow up with the confidence to say, ‘Hey, I can do this.'”
The power of positive role models cannot be overstated in shifting societal perspectives. Awasthi pointed out the growing visibility of women in diverse fields who are breaking traditional norms.
“Now, in every field, whether it’s sports, the movie industry, or education technology, we have women who may not be fair-skinned but are doing amazing work and taking on leadership roles. So just celebrating those stories a bit more, showing what real success and real leaders look like, would really help shift these norms.”
When it comes to challenging traditional mindsets about women’s roles within the family, Awasthi advocated for building bridges rather than breaking them. Drawing from her personal experience, she highlighted the importance of engaging family members and making them partners in progress.
“I don’t think breaking away is the solution. It’s more about how we bridge the mindsets.” She shared how involving her mother-in-law in her professional life and showcasing her achievements helped foster understanding and support.
“When I take them to my work environment, introduce them to my stakeholders and supporters, and they hear people proudly say, ‘Your daughter-in-law is doing great, she’s an amazing leader,’ I think they begin to feel that sense of pride too.”
While there has been significant progress in girls’ education, with more families now willing to send their daughters to school, Awasthi highlighted the persistent challenge of dropout rates, particularly as girls enter adolescence. Factors such as lack of proper infrastructure, safety concerns, and societal pressures, including family responsibilities, contribute to this issue.
“When it comes to family responsibilities, like taking care of younger siblings, girls are often the first one’s parents turn to, saying, ‘It’s your responsibility.’ These are deeply rooted mindsets that need a lot of support and hand-holding to change.”
Addressing these deeply rooted mindsets requires a collective effort from various stakeholders, including non-profit organisations, for-profit entities, and the community at large. Awasthi remains optimistic, noting the strong commitment towards gender equity and the ongoing work to create a more equitable society for girls and women.
