Publication:

Our voice on gender discrimination: adolescent girls

Background Gender equality has been one of the goals (Goal 3: promote gender equality and empower women) in Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) as well as Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) (goal 5: gender equality) which emphasise that gender discrimination remains a major barrier to human development. As gender socialization begins early in India, it is necessary that awareness must start in childhood and adolescent age on gender equity. This study aimed to assess gender discrimination experienced by the adolescent girls at home and surroundings which help to understand the persistence of gender discrimination and to access association of socio-demographic and family characteristics with gender discrimination.

Methods It is a cross-sectional study. Data was collected using a pre-structure pre-tested questionnaire. Information on socio-demographic profile was also collected. Purposive sampling was used and a total of 236 late adolescent girls (16-19 years) were included in the study, from PU and Degree colleges of Mysuru District, each from Urban, Rural and Tribal areas. Data collected was analysed using SPSS V.22. Descriptive statistics like mean, Standard deviation, proportions were used and inferential statistics like Chi-square analysis was used to know the association of socio-demographic variables with Gender discrimination.

Results Among the study participants 47% of adolescents experienced a moderate level of gender discrimination (score >29), 1% experienced severe gender discrimination (score >34). Age, residence, subject that they pursue and education of father were found be significantly associated with gender discrimination.

Conclusions A total of 48% late adolescents experienced either a moderate or severe gender discrimination.