Not just 'He' anymore: Kerala textbooks embrace gender inclusion in new curriculum

Thrissur: The newly revised Kerala school textbooks—reflecting inclusivity in content, illustration and language—now feature not just male figures, but also women and other gender identities. These revised books, introduced this academic year for Classes 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10, represent a conscious effort to dismantle traditional gender stereotypes.

In the first chapter of the Class 10 Social Science textbook, titled Humanity, alongside Dante, Petrarch and Mazzini, students will now also learn about Cassandra Fedele—an Italian woman who is a humanist and writer. The textbook also discusses the gender gap in labour force participation and its causes.

The opening lesson in the Class 10 Basic Reader is a story titled ‘Chitrakari’ (Painter) by E K Shahina, which explores how domestic responsibilities often push women out of the artistic space. Under the title ‘Charithram Rachicha Nadakam’ (The play that made history), students will study an introduction by K Kelappan to the renowned play ‘Adukkalayil ninnu arangathekku’ (From the Kitchen to the Stage).

Class 6 students will read about the life of Homai Vyarawalla, India’s first woman photojournalist. In Class 8, the Kerala Reader has been updated following a gender audit.

“The Kerala Curriculum Framework 2023 places a strong emphasis on gender-just education, and the new textbooks have been published only after completing this audit,” says Dr Anjana V.R. Chandran, Academic Coordinator for Gender Justice and Education, SCERT.

“The lesson 'Hridayam thodunna nakshathrangal’ (stars that touch the heart) shares the inspiring survival story of Sisna Anandi, often called Kerala’s own Helen Keller,”

In the Class 10 Health and Physical Education textbook, students will learn about Arunima Sinha, a former international volleyball player who conquered Mount Everest despite losing a leg, and Catriona Gray, who overcame scoliosis to become Miss Universe in 2018.

Across various classes, the arts curriculum now includes lessons on Palluruthy K N Lakshmi (drama artist), Kumudini Lakhia (Kathak dancer), Sonal Mansingh (classical dancer), Kali Amma (Chavittu Nadakam performer), Smita Patil (film actress), Megha (transgender actress), Beena Paul and Thelma Schoonmaker (film editors) and theatre personalities such as Keerthhi Jain, Anuradha Kapur, Neelam Mansingh and Dr Teejan Bai.