Orphans and Vulnerable Children - CRIN

Introduction and Objectives for Topic 5

Children are often labeled by virtue of their gender (as either boys or girls). Gender refers to

the roles and behaviours associated with being male and female, and is a socially and culturally

constructed concept. Gender norms are not universal and change over time and across cultures.

Gender is associated with privileges, opportunities and access to various services. Gender roles are

acquired through a process of socialisation and through the culture of a particular society. For example,

often boys are encouraged in behaviour considered to display male traits and girls encouraged in

behaviour considered to display female traits. Gender roles are enforced through toys given to children

(guns for boys, dolls for girls), the kind of discipline meted out, the education they receive, jobs they

have to do in the household, the careers to which they might aspire, and the portrayal of men and

women in the media. These social and cultural practices usually discriminate against female children.

Although they are discriminated against more and thus have reason to question gender stereotyping,

women and girls are not the only ones who should be involved in issues of gender. Men and boys

need to understand that attitudes that condone male domination over women and girls are the

cause of many social problems in communities, and are not necessarily valid gauges of manhood.

They would gain more self-esteem and respect from others by supporting the equal development

and education of girls so that they can fufill their potential in society. Parents and guardians also need

to appreciate the equality of all children regardless of gender, especially the advantages of educating,

supporting and protecting girl children.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this topic, participants will be able to:

 Define what gendermeans.

 Describe the roles that are socially ascribed to girls and boys.

 Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of gender-based roles for the future

development of children and communities.

 Discuss possible strategies for overcoming gender-based discrimination against children,

especially girl children.

(^138) Unit 2, Module 1 Guide to Mobilising and Strengthening Community-Led Care for Orphans and Vulnerable Children