Gender roles in Ugandan society are firmly set in tradition, for the most part. That is why I was surprised last week to see our Kibaale primary school girls playing ‘football’ (soccer) instead of their traditional game of netball.
It was even more surprising to see the boys watching and cheering as if they were at a World Cup match!
Then as I was observing in the nursery classes, it was interesting to see boys enjoying playing with some of the dolls and other items that are usually associated with girls only. In the process, they were developing language and creative play skills.
The most rewarding thing, however, is to see the confidence that the girls are developing in their own abilities to learn. The common tendency for teachers to expect less of the girls academically is gradually diminishing, and the girls are becoming active participants in class discussions and activities.
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