Voices of Girls – Gender discrimination in schools

What is the experience of girls in schools in Karnataka ? How are they treated vis-à-vis boys? What do they feel? As part of our work to promote gender equality, we invited girls to share their experiences of discrimination they encountered in schools.

Between January to March 2025, we listened to 100+ girls in Koppal district of Karnataka. This short report presents their voices.

To listen to the girls closely, we conducted 10 Focus Group Discussions. We then analyzed the transcripts of the discussions to identify themes that emerged. Eight thematic clusters emerged – seven on different discriminatory practices girls experienced, and an eighth on what the girls want. This report is organized on those lines. At the end of each section, we also note how those discriminatory practices violate the rights of girls and the laws of our country.