By Nadeya Hussain –

Children need to know about discrimination and gender equality as they grow up in today’s society. Educating children at an early age enables them to understand their rights and how they should be treated and how they should treat others.

Despite the difficulty in explaining the concept of human rights to children, we must make them aware of the fundamental rights and freedoms they possess from an early age. It is also essential for children to be taught about gender equality so that they can grow up informed about how society is rapidly changing.

Education can take place both in the home and in schools.

At home

You can educate your child on equal rights within the home in several ways, including:

• Engaging with your children and discussing important, educational topics.
• Home-based learning – Read educational books.
• Breaking the traditional roles of housewife and breadwinner by sharing the chores between men and women will challenge this societal stereotype, which would be supported by encouraging all children to assist in household chores.
• Empower your children, educate them. Remind your kids that they can accomplish whatever they wish, regardless of their race, gender, or background.
• Get rid of gendered toys. This misconception about ‘girl toys’ and ‘boy toys’ needs to be eliminated. Let them choose what they would like to play with first and with what they are comfortable with

Read More: The DEN: Impact of motherhood on women’s careers

In education

The purpose of schools is to educate children from an early age. So naturally, this should involve teaching students about race, privilege, equality, and civil rights, which is essential to promote diversity and equality in the classroom and school environment.

It is possible to do so by:

• Promoting diversity and equal opportunity by engaging in a variety of activities.
• Teachers should provide their students with the idea that everyone is treated the same regardless of their background (see the 2010 Equality Act).
• The environment within your classroom must be one in which all these students feel like they belong and are included, creating mutual respect among them.
• Challenge any issues relating to prejudice or racism. This will prevent discrimination from taking place and teach others what is right.­­

There are several ways to teach young children about equal rights, although some parents may not speak English as their first language; therefore, they cannot educate at home. The school should aim to provide this educational experience. Whether it is within the home, educational system, online or in the public sphere, we must present these ideas.

What are your thoughts on ways we can educate children on equal rights?