What is meant by gender discrimination? How does it hamper classroom teaching and learning process?

Gender discrimination refers to the unfair or unequal treatment of individuals based on their gender.

In the classroom, gender discrimination can significantly hamper the teaching and learning process in several ways:

1. Unequal Opportunities — Students may not receive the same opportunities to participate in activities, discussions, or leadership roles based on their gender, limiting their engagement and development.
2. Bias in Assessment — Teachers might unconsciously favour one gender over another, leading to biased assessments and unfair evaluations of students' abilities and contributions.
3. Stereotyping — Gender stereotypes can influence the expectations teachers and peers have of students, affecting their confidence and interest in subjects traditionally associated with their gender, such as STEM fields for girls or arts for boys.
4. Reduced Participation — Students may feel discouraged from participating or expressing themselves freely if they believe their gender will lead to judgment or discrimination, which can impact their learning experience and academic performance.
5. Limited Role Models — Gender discrimination can result in a lack of diverse role models in teaching materials or staff, making it harder for students to envision themselves in various careers or roles beyond traditional gender expectations.