“Gender is not a mere identity. It is an unfolding, a becoming — shaped by culture, challenged by courage, and understood through empathy.”. — Judith Butler
With these words echoing in spirit, St. Joseph’s Sr. Sec. School, Chandigarh, opened its doors — and more importantly, its mind — to a transformative Capacity Building Programme on Gender Sensitivity in Schools on the rainy morning of 30 June 2025, led by two remarkable educators: Ms. Isha Anand, a British Council scholar, national-level resource person and content creator with NCERT, and Ms. Ruppy, a CBSE-certified trainer and gold medallist in Geography.
Both resource persons brought with them not just accolades, but authenticity — a blend of rigorous academic insight and real-world empathy, which made the session not only relevant, but profoundly relatable. Right from the first moment, as groups were cheerfully mixed to shake up comfort zones, the room began shedding old constructs. What followed was not a lecture, but a conversation. A shared journey of unlearning and relearning, where walls came down and eyes were opened.
From YouTube videos that clarified gender identities across generations, to stories drawn from real classrooms and lived experiences, the workshop gently unravelled assumptions. Key concepts like gender identity, gender roles, and equality in academic progress were not just discussed, but lived, through interaction, poetry, and spontaneous dialogue.
The facilitators didn't shy away from discomfort. They encouraged it because discomfort, they reminded us, is often the birthplace of deeper understanding. And yet, the atmosphere was anything but heavy. With humour, humility, and an instinct for inclusivity, Ms. Anand and Ms. Ruppy created a space that felt less like training, and more like truth-telling. Participants found themselves laughing one moment and reflecting the next — questioning deeply, answering honestly.
The workshop beautifully tackled how educators can adopt gender-inclusive practices, not just in language or policies, but in how they show up for every student, every day — with openness, without judgement.
The school extends sincere thanks to the Members of the Management, whose progressive vision made this dialogue possible and whose support continues to nurture the spirit of meaningful learning. We also express our heartfelt gratitude to Principal Ms. Monica Chawla, whose leadership quietly champions such bold conversations. With a firm belief in mental wellness, inclusivity, and human dignity, Ms. Chawla ensures that St. Joseph’s remains not just a place of education, but of evolution.
Because here, we do not simply teach — We listen, reflect, and grow together.
