"Towards a World of Equals: A Bilingual Textbook on Gender" is a revolutionary textbook published by Telugu Akademi for Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University (JNTU), Hyderabad. Created with the goal of fostering gender equality and sensitivity, this textbook is a mandatory part of the curriculum for engineering and pharmacy students. By examining gender through various societal and cultural lenses, it aims to shape a more empathetic and aware generation of students.

Background and Need for Gender Sensitization

The initiative to create this textbook follows the 2012 University Grants Commission (UGC) recommendations for gender sensitization in education. The UGC's Task Force on Gender Sensitization noted that Indian educational institutions needed gender-sensitive education to reduce biases and prepare students for respectful and equitable interactions. With gender equity being mandated in many workplaces today, courses like these address urgent needs for cultural and social transformation.

Towards A World Of Equals - Gender Equality - English - Telugu (Bilingual) By Telugu Akademi

The textbook, edited by A. Suneetha and Susie Tharu, covers 12 chapters that deal with critical gender issues, using both English and Telugu to make the material accessible. With contributions from esteemed academics and advocates, it includes factual evidence, stories, poems, and even film references to make the complex subject of gender accessible to young students.

1. Understanding Gender: Why Study It?

The first chapter introduces the concept of gender, explaining its role in shaping individual experiences and societal norms. It lays the foundation for the rest of the book by exploring why gender is relevant for everyone, not just women, and why students should understand gender dynamics.

2. Socialization: Constructing Gender Roles

Through chapters like “Making Women, Making Men” and “Growing Up Male,” the book delves into the process of socialization. It explores how traditional roles are ingrained from a young age, shaping individuals' perceptions of themselves and their interactions with others.

3. Housework: The Unseen Labor

Household labor, often invisible and unpaid, is analyzed in this section. Through personal narratives and studies, it highlights the gender disparity in domestic responsibilities and challenges societal expectations.

4. Missing Women and the Issue of Sex Selection

With a declining sex ratio due to selective sex practices, this chapter addresses the social, economic, and demographic consequences of gender discrimination. The impact of sex selection on the female population is presented with statistical insights and personal stories.

5. Gendered Knowledge and Historical Representation

Exploring how knowledge and history have been shaped by gender biases, this chapter examines the unrecognized contributions of women, particularly in Telangana’s history. It encourages students to question and re-evaluate historical narratives from a gendered perspective.

6. Sexual Harassment and Consent

Under “Say No!,” the book tackles the subject of sexual harassment, differentiating it from “eve-teasing.” This chapter discusses practical coping strategies, societal expectations, and the need for clear consent to foster respectful relationships.

7. Women’s Work: Politics and Economics

This section uncovers the realities of women’s economic contributions, often unrecognized or undervalued, while providing case studies on wages and work conditions. The chapter highlights the invisible labor women contribute to the economy and its societal undervaluation.

8. Domestic Violence and Safety at Home

“Speaking Out” discusses domestic violence and challenges the myth of home as a safe space. It presents avenues for justice and empowerment for survivors and emphasizes the importance of societal support and legal frameworks in addressing violence.

9. Reclaiming History and Gendered Narratives

This chapter critically examines historical narratives and the exclusion of women's contributions, encouraging students to reclaim and reframe their understanding of history to include diverse perspectives.

10. Gender Spectrum and Beyond

The chapter “Beyond the Binary” introduces students to the concept of a gender spectrum. It emphasizes the importance of inclusivity, addressing the experiences of those who don’t conform to binary gender norms, and highlights the struggles faced by non-binary and LGBTQ+ communities.

11. Sexual Violence: Understanding and Addressing Victim-Blaming

Addressing sexual violence, this chapter aims to dismantle victim-blaming culture. With real-life stories, it provides an empathetic look at the survivors’ experiences and advocates for justice and equality.

12. Building Just Relationships

The final chapter, “Being Together as Equals,” focuses on healthy relationships based on equality and mutual respect. Through various examples, it encourages students to develop just and respectful relationships, both personal and professional.

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Conclusion: Toward a More Inclusive Society

*"Towards a World of Equals"* is a pioneering effort to create a gender-sensitive educational environment. With its comprehensive approach, the textbook prepares students not just to excel professionally but to build a society that values equality and mutual respect. Through this course, JNTU Hyderabad sets an inspiring precedent, encouraging other institutions to prioritize gender sensitization in their curriculm.