As we continue striving for gender equality in education, EducationWorld is proud to feature Dr. Kavisha Khurana Vij, Director of The Chintels School and a visionary educator dedicated to ensuring that every girl has access to learning, opportunity, and empowerment.
But one question remains—what if a bright young girl is told that school is not for her? What if her passion for learning is overshadowed by centuries-old traditions that confine her to her home? For millions of Indian girls, this has been a painful reality—one we have fought to change, yet one that still persists.
In 1995, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action marked a global commitment to ending gender inequality and empowering women through education. It recognized that education is not just a right but a tool for breaking cycles of poverty and discrimination. India, a signatory to this declaration, has taken major strides with initiatives like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao and free education schemes. However, challenges such as gender bias, economic constraints, and deep-rooted social norms continue to limit girls’ access to education.
What Needs to Be Done?
According to Dr. Kavisha Khurana Vij, ensuring real, lasting change requires more than just policies. She believes we must take strong, practical steps to guarantee education for every girl:
1. Ensuring safety and security – Girls traveling alone to school often face harassment and intimidation, leading to high dropout rates. Safe public spaces and transport must be a priority.
2. Strict enforcement of laws – Child marriage and school dropouts must be addressed with strong legal action and zero tolerance.
3. Financial incentives – Scholarships and free learning resources can help girls from marginalized communities access education.
4. Improved school infrastructure – Separate toilets, safe transport, and well-equipped classrooms ensure a conducive learning environment for girls.
5. Encouraging STEM education – More girls must be encouraged to enter science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, fields traditionally dominated by men.
6. Community awareness – Societal attitudes must change through campaigns that challenge stereotypes and promote gender equality in education.
“Every girl deprived of education is not just an individual loss—it is a setback for the nation. Her unfulfilled dreams are not hers alone; they hold back India’s growth and progress,” says Dr. Kavisha Khurana Vij. “We must turn words into action and ensure that every girl has a seat in the classroom, learns without fear, and grows into a leader of tomorrow.”
About Dr. Kavisha Khurana Vij
Dr. Kavisha Khurana Vij, Director of The Chintels School, is a dynamic educator known for her progressive approach to learning. She believes education is not just about textbooks, but about instilling moral values, confidence, and resilience.
A distinguished academic, Dr. Kavisha holds three bachelor’s degrees, two master’s degrees, and a PhD in English, reflecting her deep commitment to academic excellence and lifelong learning. As a mentor and leader, she fosters an inclusive, innovative learning environment, inspiring students to see education as an empowering journey rather than just a curriculum to complete.
Also read: Women’s Day 2025: Dr. Rutvi Vyas on Advancing gender equality in education
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