Parents are increasingly advocating for advanced education, including technical and postgraduate degrees, for their daughters, writes Javed Siddiqui

Rural India, deeply rooted in traditional norms, is experiencing a remarkable transformation. Women are emerging from their homes, becoming influential figures in panchayats, rural markets, and community structures. This shift, fuelled by social and economic mobility, marks a departure from the past. The ‘State of Elementary Education in Rural India 2023’ report by the Development Intelligence Unit is a testament to this change — a staggering 78% of parents in rural areas now aspire for their daughters to pursue graduate-level education. This shift represents a significant stride toward gender equality in rural India.

Paradigm shift

Crucially, parents are increasingly advocating for advanced education, including technical and postgraduate degrees, for their daughters. This signifies a paradigm shift, reflecting a growing acknowledgment of the importance of educating girls not only at the primary level but also at higher educational tiers. Mothers, despite predominantly being non-earners and homemakers, actively supervise the studies of a majority (62.5%) of children, challenging traditional gender roles where education was often seen as a male domain.

Access to education transformed Punki Damor’s life. A 7-year-old tribal girl from Gothaniya Petlavad, Jhabua district of Madhya Pradesh, Punki was visually impaired since birth. Punki’s family faced difficulties and a lack of resources required to educate her. Her parents were hesitant and unsure of societal support. However, through collective efforts, the community convinced Punki’s parents about the importance of education, leading to her admission to Saraswati Devi Mohta Blind Girls School. Today, Punki is thriving academically, and her family is immensely proud of her achievements.