Government and UNICEF Teach Gender Equality to Students Through Games, Dialogue and Interaction

Mumbai, April 2026 : With the support of the state government, awareness training on gender equality is being provided to students, teachers, and parents through Angai and UNICEF to address gender discrimination. In collaboration with UNICEF and Angai (UNGEI), a gender equality education initiative—implemented on a pilot basis for the first time in the country in Dharashiv district—is bringing positive changes in the lives of rural girls. Through play-based learning, dialogue, and participatory activities, a sense of equality is being instilled among adolescent boys and girls.

This project was implemented with the support of the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), which functions under the Maharashtra State Education Department. Across India, this project has been carried out only in Dharashiv district, involving 120 schools, more than 800 teachers, and over 18,000 students. In Dharashiv, the initiative is being conducted on a pilot basis for students from classes 6 to 8.

In Dharashiv, Angai and UNICEF have taught gender equality to adolescents, teachers, and village communities through play-based learning. The Meena Raju Manch programme has been implemented for students from classes 6 to 8, introducing them to various aspects of gender equality. It includes activities such as dialogue, games, and discussions. Local organisations like Swayam Shikshan Prayog (SSP), CORO, and MAVA have also participated in the programme.

Sharing her experience, Pragya Patole, a Class 8 student from Arni village, said, “I spoke to my mother and aunt about this. They had never realised this discrimination. They believed, according to old traditions, that girls need less food. But I explained to them that both of us need equal food because we do the same work.” Through this joint initiative of the government, UNICEF, and Angai, girls are receiving education on gender equality, leading to a positive shift in the thinking of students and, through them, their families.

The initiative has also boosted confidence among girls. Many now aspire to pursue higher education. Pragya said she wishes to become a doctor in the future and spread awareness, especially about women’s health, nutrition, and menstrual hygiene—issues that are still often neglected in society.

Today, Pragya actively spreads awareness about gender equality in village children’s gatherings, schools, and cultural programmes. “Change is not easy, but creating awareness among people is necessary,” she said firmly. Coming from an ordinary family, she now dreams of an equal and just society and is courageously working towards achieving it.

Through this initiative, children are learning the values of gender equality from an early age, and authorities and participating organisations have expressed confidence that it will lead to significant positive changes in society in the near future.