Teachers of a coeducational school took a pledge on Teachers’ Day to “actively promote gender equality” and empower students to “respect and assert” equal rights for all.

The pledge by 350 teachers at BDM International is significant in the aftermath of the rape and murder of the 31-year-old junior doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9.

“There has to be mutual respect for one another and peaceful coexistence instead of seeing men as more powerful than women,” said Madhumita Sengupta, principal, BDM International.

The teachers pledged: “...we will actively promote gender equality and empower our students to respect and assert the same. We promise to guide our students to embrace and uphold the core values of humanity.”

The discrimination can be subtle or direct, at home or outside. Psychologists and counsellors have spoken time and again about the need to raise boys and girls equally, where they do not perpetuate patriarchal stereotypes.

According to a psychologist, people’s mindset needs to change. Those who see men as elevated beings and women as inferior or weaker to them need to change, she said.

Sengupta said their school encourages girls and boys equally to participate in dance or sports to counter discrimination.

“We have the same shirt and trousers as the uniform for our students. If we call it uniform, it should be that way. We also advise our teachers to treat them as students, not as girls or boys,” she said.

“We, the teachers of BDM International solemnly pledge to treat all our students with respect, fairness and equality. We will not discriminate against any student based on their gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, identity, religion, disability, socioeconomic status or any other diversity. We will strive to create a safe and inclusive learning environment where all our students feel valued and supported,” the teachers pledged on September 5.

A teacher said that the pledge was to rise against any form of discrimination. The belief in equality has to come from the core, instead of wearing it as a show.