To deepen the understanding of gender roles and stereotypes, MFF conducted session on gender stereotype with 90 girls of GGSSS, Kakrola (Dwarka). In the session, students were given some statements which were gender specific in nature (as set by society) and it was left to the students to decide whether they agree or disagree with it.

After every statement, debriefing was done on the basis of responses given by the students. Most of the time it was left to the students to establish their point that why they agree or disagree to a particular statement?

There was one statement which said “लड़के कभी नहीं रोते”| For this 90 % (81 students out of 90) said I disagree to this because boys are emotional being too. While 10% (9 students) said I agree to this statement.

Earlier, when MFF has started taking sessions in schools then it was clearly evident that most of the students had pre-conceived notions regarding gender and its roles. Initially, when they were asked in one session that “do boys also cry”? Then, they said no, they don’t because they are not emotional and also they don’t like crying. So, by the end of gender stereotype session a clear change in student’s perception regarding gender roles and stereotype was seen.

Eventually, gender stereotype session served as a reflective session for MFF in which the impact of various sessions on student’s viewpoint, thought process was analyzed. Sessions has been successful in serving its purpose in large number. The students are coming, expressing, talking and agreeing with each other on many issues. They started seeing the session hour as a safe space where they can put up their thoughts and clear their doubts.