NDMC Schools Teachers Being Trained On Transgender Identities

The North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) is training its teachers on understanding transgender identities. The objective of this exercise is to promote inclusive education. Officials stated that they have included topics like understanding transgender terminology and how can teachers create an inclusive environment. Furthermore, the curriculum also busts myths and misconceptions and includes recent judgments on the subject. Similarly, it elaborates on what it means to be a transgender person in school.

The Education Department of NDMC is training its 7,500 teachers and principals on promoting inclusion of transgender identities in classrooms. Space NGO conducts one-hour sessions in groups of 250 participants each. The NGO has been working on active inclusion of transgender people in the society for many years, officials said. With the assistance of case studies, the NGO is organising training workshops and encouraging teachers to ask questions.

"The aim is to ensure all children, regardless of gender identity, are able to utilise the educational opportunities available.  The training will equip the teachers to ensure full participation of all children in the classroom," an NDMC statement said.

What You Should Know

• The North Delhi Municipal Corporation (NDMC) is training its teachers on understanding transgender identities. The objective of this exercise is to promote inclusive education.
• The Education Department of NDMC is training its 7,500 teachers and principals on promoting inclusion of transgender identities in classrooms. Space NGO conducts one-hour sessions in groups of 250 participants each.
• With the assistance of case studies, the NGO is organising training workshops and encouraging teachers to ask questions.

Steps Towards Inclusivity

The statement also said that NDMC has observed active participation and 1,000 teachers were trained in the first two days. The attendees gave extremely positive feedback for the webinar. Furthermore, they stated that it assisted them in recognising the needs of transgender children.

Seven months after Parliament passed the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, the Centre has notified the guidelines to operationalise the legislation. Under the rules, every establishment – private or government – would compulsorily form an Equal Opportunity Policy. It would ensure that there is no discrimination against transgenders in employment, promotion and provision of basic amenities at the workplace. Finally, this policy must be showcased on the website of the establishment and widely disseminated to educate employees.

The Centre and state governments would also alter the educational curriculum to inculcate gender diversity. It also aims at sensitising healthcare professionals and bringing changes in the medical education curriculum. The guidelines state that every educational institution must have a committee to address transgender people's grievances. Furthermore, the rules say that this committee must ensure a safe environment for transgender students and teachers.

Also Read: Valentina Sampaio: First Trans Woman To Be Featured In Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Issue

Ria Chakraborty is an intern with SheThePeople.TV