Professor to launch children’s book on gender stereotypes
A JOHANNESBURG-BASED author hopes her book will change the children’s gender narrative and encourage them to be free thinkers.
Professor Nitasha Ramparsad, an associate researcher for the research focus area: Gender Justice, Health and Human Development Research at the Durban University of Technology, will release her first children’s book, Cloud Gazing, later this month. It is aimed at undoing gender stereotypes in children when choosing careers.
Rampersad, 39, originally from Durban, said gender equality issues should not go unchecked in young people and only addressed in adulthood.
“When I was writing, I found that gender issues are only addressed in adolescence and sometimes only in adulthood.
“The missing link is trying to undo stereotyping and gendered barriers from the time children are young. This encourages a more open view to the world and more acceptance of themselves and their goals.”
Ramparsad, a mother of one, said the book was inspired by her first book, Gender Equality at Work in 2019. It indicated that gender barriers were formed from childhood.
“This book looks at undoing gender stereotyping in career choices and it encourages children to look at possible careers that may not fit their cultural norm.
“While this may challenge some archaic ideals about upholding culture, culture must be challenged if it is discriminatory and therefore, each generation has the responsibility to determine what that culture is.
“The foundation phase is the most important phase to be taught, even life skills or orientation only come into play when children are older.
“I think if children would have a sense of understanding and differentiating from a young age, it would encourage a child to grow into a confident adult who values their self-worth.”
She said she discovered that it was important to capture children's imagination.
“Through Cloud Gazing, children will be able to guess the shapes of clouds and ultimately this informs a discussion about what they want to be when they grow up.
“A book for children doesn’t always necessarily have to have rhymes, though this can be entertaining.
“A book for children must have an imaginative storyline that captures their attention.
“I also have some activities at the end of the book, for readers to practise this game in their own time to encourage a connection with nature as well as to inspire their imagination.
“The idea of adding a physical activity to a book means that children will internalise the message as they learn by doing.”
Ramparsad encouraged people to read the book with children for more narratives.
“This book is good for parents who box their children into careers and gender roles because of their own stereotypical thinking.
“I hope it inspires children and all adults not just parents, caregivers and grandparents to open their minds to changing the narrative and be able to address gender stereotypes in their own lives.
“It is only through a revolution of thinking that one can have a significant impact."
The book will be launched on May 29 at the Book iBhoni and Cycle Market in Soweto. For details on the book, email jdlegacyprojects@gmail.com