How do children learn what it means to be a "boy" or a "girl"? What role do schools play in reinforcing or challenging these ideas?

In this episode of The Chalk Talk Collective, we explore why gender-sensitive education is fundamental to creating equitable classrooms.

Joining us are Tultul Biswas, Director of Eklavya Foundation, along with Isha Badkas and Sonam Kumari, who are leading the design of Eklavya's pioneering Gender in the Classroom course for teachers and educators.

Together, they unpack how gender is socially constructed, why conversations around gender should begin early, how stereotypes influence children's aspirations and identities, and what educators can do to create classrooms where every learner feels seen, respected and free to thrive.

The episode also examines:

• Why gender is learned rather than simply inherited

• Why young children are already making sense of gender

• How toys, textbooks, families and media shape gender expectations

• Gender performativity in schools and classrooms

• Creating gender-sensitive learning environments

• The role of teachers in questioning stereotypes

• What Eklavya's new Gender in the Classroom course hopes to achieve

About Eklavya Foundation

Founded in 1982, Eklavya Foundation is an educational organization based in Bhopal that works to make education more equitable, meaningful and joyful. Its work spans teacher education, science and mathematics education, children's publishing, language, social sciences and curriculum development.

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