Stereotypical conditioning begins at a young age, says Gul Panag

The idea that women are not good drivers comes from a strong stereotypical conditioning where men are given more importance, says actor Gul Panag (right). The actor believes that the conditioning begins in the early years where girls are told to do only a certain thing. “You are told that if you’re a girl, then you just do arts, and you don’t need to do science. Or, if you are a girl then you ride a gearless scooter because you can’t change gears,” she said. “Typically in a household if there is a boy and a girl and they are similar in age, the boy will get a chance to learn to drive first. It's because of the conditioning that happens in our environment, that women are perhaps less confident. This is why they are less reckless and safer drivers because they are involved in lesser accidents,” says the 38-year-old actor. As part of the recent National Road Safety Week, the Dor actor lent her support for the cause and urged citizens to not drink and drive at an event. Panag said, “We are taught about our fundamental rights in school, but no one remembers our fundamental duties as there never has been focus on following them. Adhering to the laws is our duty as citizens, and this awareness can be imparted through multiple formats, from your home, school and immediate environment.”

If you are a girl you are told that to ride a gearless scooter because you can’t change gears GUL PANAG, ACTOR