In the wake of the recent protests against sexual assault and rape, multiple school communities have called for immediate change in institutional culture through renewed policies, teacher training and important additions to school curriculum.
In response, through a series of online assemblies, Sunbeams has proclaimed a zero tolerance policy towards ‘all comments and actions that create a culture of victim-blaming and misogyny within the school community’.
Sunbeams, one of Bangladesh’s top private English schools, has also pledged to bring about changes to its curriculum, said a press release issued on Thursday.
The school authorities will consult with technical experts, the United Nations representatives, youth organisations and NGOs to incorporate topics such as gender norms and peer relationships into the education curriculum; introduce gender sensitisation training for its staff; and establish a standardised complaint mechanism for students to report instances of gender-based discrimination or harassment.
The changes, according to the release, will start being implemented starting as early as next semester in January 2021.
“Our schools are a microcosm of this society that allows harmful behaviour and attitudes to exist without intervention – eventually leading to more extreme forms of violence,” it stated.
“Schools have enormous power in shaping the minds of young individuals, instilling positive attitudes rooted in respect and can help model behaviour for a future Bangladesh that is free of gender-based violence.”
The Sunbeams community came together to put forward a five-point demand to their school, with a petition signed by 600 current students and alumni as well as parents, said the press release.
“Without hesitation”, it added, “the school administration has acknowledged the priority of this issue and committed to all five demands.”
The statement from student and alumni bodies read, “As leaders and decision makers of an educational institution, we call on you to recognise your responsibility, to instil positive values in young students so they grow up to be sensitive, empathetic and responsible citizens of the country.”
The release mentioned that the culture of violence is institutionalised and upheld by normalisation of toxic definitions of masculinity and femininity which translate to harmful gender norms in our society.
“This normalisation of male dominance and female inferiority manifests in the de facto discrimination against women and femmes. Rooted in these beliefs, we create a society that blames victims for various forms of gender-based discrimination and violence, instead of holding perpetrators accountable,” it observed, adding, “This sends a clear message to victims that it is their responsibility to avoid being discriminated against or harassed. At the same time, it lets perpetrators know that they will be protected by those who have power.”
“In order to fight this culture, we need to address the attitudes, behaviour and conditions that support, condone and lead to sexual and gender-based violence,” the press release said.
It said all members of a school community – students, teachers, coaches, administrators, staff – have to be held accountable.
“We can no longer allow teachers to discriminate against female students – make comments on their “character”; speak degradingly to them and shame their bodies; police how they sit, talk, play,” said the press release, explaining that repeatedly subjecting young female students to such an environment can be extremely detrimental to them and take them years to overcome its effects.
“We have to ensure that teachers do not use language in classrooms that perpetuate gender stereotypes – such as girls are “weak”, boys are “better at Maths”, Art is “only for girls”, boys “don’t cry”, etc. Schools must take a strong stance and let their community members know that no one will be treated differently because of their gender,” said the release.
It concluded that taking this firm step forward, Sunbeams has announced its commitment to playing its role as an educational institute in creating a Bangladesh that is free of gender-based violence.