Module 5 - Gender Equality
A. PRE-ACTIVITIES
1. Introduce Fairness and Gender Equity
Begin by thinking about what fairness means in your life. Answer these questions :
1. What does “fairness” mean to you? Can you give an example of something that is fair?
2. What are some things boys and girls both enjoy doing? Should anyone be able to do what they like, regardless of whether they are a boy or a girl?
3. Should boys and girls have the same chances in school and sports? Why or why not?
4. Have you ever seen someone treated differently because they are a boy or a girl? How did that make you feel?
5. Why is it important for everyone to be treated equally, whether they are a boy or a girl?
Note: Treating boys and girls with fairness is called gender equity
2. Explore the Back and Front Cover
Go to the link to explore the book: Dividing Mango Story
Start by examining the front cover of “Dividing the Mango.”
Pay attention to the details of the image and title. Notice what the girl, Meena, is doing and look at the setting around her. The tree and any visible fruits may give you clues about the story’s theme and context. Imagine what Meena might be thinking or feeling at this moment. Then, based on what you see, try to predict and answer these questions:
1. What do you see on the front cover of the book? Describe any pictures, colors, or drawings.
2. What is the book’s title, and who wrote it?
3. What do you think the story “Dividing the Mango” will be about based on the title and the picture?
4. Why do you think the girl in the picture is climbing the tree? What do you think she is trying to do?
5. Based on the cover, how do you think the girl feels about the mango? Do you think it’s something special to her?
Next, take a look at the back cover of “Dividing the Mango” and read the summary. Pay attention to any images and text that provide insights into the story. The details on the back cover can reveal important information about the characters and the challenges they face. Use your observations to answer these questions:
Back Cover Exploration Questions
1. What kind of bird is in the picture? Why do you think the bird is sitting next to the girl, Meena?
2. Based on the picture, what do you think Meena’s adventure will be about?
3. Meet the Author
Before you read further start by reading a brief introduction about the author. You can discuss the following questions in groups and find the answer.
1. Who wrote the book “Dividing Mango”?
2. Do you know what the abbreviation UNICEF stands for?
3. Have you ever read another book by the same author?
4. Search for the Author’s name on the internet. What information do you find?
B. MAIN ACTIVITIES
1. Read and Enjoy the Story
In this activity, you will either listen to your teacher or a classmate read Dividing the Mango aloud, or you will read it yourself. Explore the book further by clicking on the book link. Pay close attention to the pictures and answer the following questions:
Orientation Questions:
1. Who were involved in the food problem?
2. Where did the story take place?
3. Why Mother and Grandmother thought Raju should receive a bigger share?
4. What kind of person is Father?
Complication Questions:
1. What problems did Meena face with food and chores?
2. Why did Meena want to switch chores with Raju, and what did this reveal about her perspective on household chores division?
4. How did Raju’s experience with Meena’s chores help him understand fairness better?
Resolution Questions:
1. How did the family’s reaction to the changed food distribution affect Raju’s attitude towards Meena?
2. How did Raju’s, Mother’s, and Grandmother’s understanding of Meena’s chores change after Raju and Meena switched roles?
3. What did Raju realize about Meena’s works? What did Meena realize about Raju’s work of looking after Lali?
4. How did this understanding change their relationship?
2. Bring Out Your Voice
In this activity, you will reflect on the story and relate it to your own life. Discuss or write your thoughts on the following questions:
- What are your thoughts on boys participating in activities traditionally seen as ‘for girls,’ like cooking, or girls engaging in ‘boys’ activities,’ such as playing football?
- Can you share an example from your life where you think different roles created for boys and girls affected fairness like what Meena and Raju experienced?
3. Reflect on Your Feelings
After reading the story, take a moment to reflect on your feelings and thoughts :
Personal Response:
How do you feel after reading about the story?
(Click on emoticons to show how you feel, like happy, surprised, or thoughtful.)
Personal Evaluation:
1. What do you learn about boy’s and girl’s roles at home?
2. How does this story change what you think about how boys and girls should be treated?
Personal Action:
1. If you were the parents, how would you share household chores and food for your daughter and son?
4. Activate Your Vocabulary
As you read the book, you will find new words that you never heard before, some words that you ever heard but did not know the meaning of, words that you ever heard and know the meaning of, and some words that you know, and you ever use the words in sentences and utterances. You can download the HeKU Table and start making lists of the words.
| Never Heard (NH) | Ever Heard, but Don’t Know (EHD) | Ever Heard and Know (EHK) | Ever Heard, Know and Use (EHKU) |
|---|---|---|---|
After learning some new words, test your vocabulary mastery and work on this exercise.
Vocabulary Exercise
As you read through the story, you encounter new words that describe the setting and the characters’ experiences. Match the words on the left to their correct definitions on the right. Use a dictionary to help you know the meaning of the words.
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1. Chore | a. To divide something into parts. |
| 2. Chasing | b. The quality of being committed to achieving something despite difficulties. |
| 3. Complained | c. To pick something, usually from a plant. |
| 4. Divided | d. To wander about without a specific destination. |
| 5. Disappointed | e. Unhappy because something did not happen as expected. |
| 6. Distribute | f. To share or give out something to others. |
| 7. Equal | g. To be the same in quantity, size, or value. |
| 8. Wandered | h. To walk around without purpose or direction. |
| 9. Fairness | i. The state of being free from bias or injustice. |
| 10. Observed | j. To watch carefully the way something happens. |
| 11. Grazing | k. Eating grass or other plants. |
| 12. Protested | l. To express discontent or disagreement with something. |
| 13. Plucked | m. To gather or remove something gently. |
| 14. Promise | n. A declaration or assurance that one will do something. |
| 15. Realized | o. To become fully aware of something as a fact. |
| 16. Responsibility | p. A duty or obligation to deal with something. |
Now you already know the meaning of the keywords in the story. Do this exercise if you think you still need to explore more about the vocabulary!
a) Threw
b) Picked
c) Ate
Answer: _____________
3. In the story, what is a “chore”? Can you list one chore mentioned in the story?
4. What does the word “protested” mean in the sentence, “Meena protested when Raju got more food”?a) Complained
b) Agreed
c) Ignored
a) Running
b) Eating grass
c) Sleeping
6. In the story, the word “disappointed” is used. Can you explain what “disappointed” means?
7. What does the word “wandered” mean in the sentence, “Lali wandered into the headman’s vegetable garden”?a) Ran quickly
b) Walked slowly
c) Flew away
8. What is the meaning of “tired” in the sentence, “Raju was tired and hungry”? Can you use it in a sentence?
9. What does “realized” mean in the sentence, “Grandmother realized how much work Meena did every day”?a) Forgot
b) Understood
c) Told
Answer: _______
C. EXTRA ACTIVITY
Create a comic strip story that shows an example of gender inequality in everyday life and how the characters work together to address it. This could involve situations like house chores, school activities, or hobbies where certain tasks or roles are seen as ‘only for boys’ or ‘only for girls.’ Use at least four panels to show the problem, the characters’ feelings, and the steps they take to make things more equal. Be creative and show how understanding and teamwork can help promote gender equality!
| Panel 1 | Panel 2 |
| Panel 3 | Panel 4 |