“Traditional Gender Roles Hinder Girls' Emotional Development”

October 11th International Day of the Girl Child provides an important opportunity to defend the rights of girls and to ensure gender equality.

Recent tragic events have once again demonstrated the importance of social awareness and education systems. Problems such as violence and abuse faced by girls deeply affect not only individuals but also societies. Experts emphasize that social and emotional education should be strengthened in order to prevent such suffering, and that such education will contribute to raising strong and healthy individuals. Raising girls with equal rights becomes not only an individual but also a social responsibility. Lack of social and emotional development leads to negative consequences.

Prof. Dr. Buket Aksu, Social and Emotional Education Specialist from Altınbaş University, said that when we look at child murders and abuses, growing up in environments where children lack social and emotional skills has negative consequences, “If our children had grown up in a safe family environment where they could express themselves emotionally, they could manage the traumas they experienced in a healthier way. The lack of such skills in society makes it difficult for people to empathize with each other and may increase the rate of resorting to violence.”

Prof. Dr. Aksu stated that “Strong individuals and healthy societies are possible with social and emotional education” and that children should focus not only on academic achievement but also on their social and emotional development. “Social and emotional education helps girls gain self-confidence, cope with bullying and build healthy relationships. Especially the recent cases of abuse and violence show how critical this kind of education is.”

Education Specialist Prof. Dr. Buket Neşe Aksu “Traditional gender roles can neglect girls' emotional needs”

Stating that traditional gender roles can create a social structure that can neglect the emotional needs of girls, Prof. Dr. Aksu said, “This structure creates a social order that does not attach importance to emotional development and encourages obedience and silence. However, if children's emotional development is neglected, it becomes difficult to raise independent and self-confident individuals in the future. Children may be forced to suppress their own emotions under the pressure of these roles, which can leave them vulnerable and unprotected.”

Aksu also stated that children's acquisition of skills such as empathy, self-control and emotional awareness at an early age enables them to become more resilient individuals against the difficulties they face in their later lives, “A child's ability to express herself increases her capacity to defend herself against social pressures and violence. This can prevent negative situations that girls are exposed to.” Family dynamics and emotional education “In a family structure where social and emotional learning is important, children learn how to solve their problems and deal with their emotions. However, in traditional family structures, children's emotional needs can be put on the back burner.” Aksu emphasized that another important issue is family and education, and added: ”In addition, the fact that domestic violence is a social taboo prevents the development of these skills. When social and emotional skills are not developed, individuals have difficulty coping with the emotional difficulties they experience, which can lead to traumatic consequences.”

“Every investment in girls' education is a fundamental step towards an equal and just world”

Prof. Dr. Aksu drew attention to the necessity of not only individual but also social change, and continued his speech as follows “The education provided to children shapes not only the individual but also the future of society. Individuals with social and emotional skills establish healthier social relationships free from violence. That is why I believe that more emphasis should be placed on these skills in education programs for girls. Every investment in girls' education is one of the fundamental steps towards a more equal and just world.”

“Social and emotional education at all levels is important for girls to achieve the equality and opportunities they deserve. With these trainings, we can contribute to girls' realization of their potential and their participation in social life.”

What should we do for girls' social and emotional development?

Finally, in order to support the social and emotional development of girls, Prof. Dr. Buket Aksu listed her recommendations, including policies and practices to ensure gender equality, as follows

Integration of Social and Emotional Education into the Education Curriculum: In order to improve girls' social and emotional skills, special programs in this area should be included in the education curricula. These programs should primarily help children to recognize their emotions, as well as skills such as empathy, self-control and emotional awareness.

Family Education Programs: Social and emotional education programs for families should be organized and resources should be provided to help parents understand and support their children's emotional needs.

Social Awareness Campaigns: Campaigns should be organized to raise public awareness of violence, abuse and discrimination against girls. These campaigns should aim to raise public awareness on gender equality and children's rights.

Shelter and Support Centers: Safe refuge and support centers should be established for girls in case of violence and abuse. These centers should provide emotional support and rehabilitation services.

Play and Interactive Activities: Activities should be organized to teach social and emotional skills through play. Such activities support children's emotional intelligence development while providing a fun learning experience.

Collaboration and Partnerships: Collaboration between the government, civil society organizations and the private sector should be established and projects for girls' education should be supported. These collaborations ensure effective use of resources.