Efforts bear fruit; Jannat Samaraweera attends school in gender-neutral uniform

MALAPPURAM: Jannat Samaraweera came to school yesterday, proudly wearing a gender-neutral uniform of pants and shirt. It was the solo battle of Aisha P Jamal, a lawyer at the Manjeri court, that helped this seventh-grader of Manjeri Govt Boys HSS. It was the education department itself that issued a special order for Jannat after the school denied her permission.

The uniform is a shirt and pants for boys and a slitless top, pants and overcoat for girls. However, wearing this uniform in hot weather was very uncomfortable for Jannat. It was not possible to even board the bus or walk freely. Following this, Aisha, who is also a member of the school's PTA executive committee, came forward for her daughter.

Last May, Aisha brought the matter before the school authorities and the PTA committee. A sub-committee including Aisha was also formed to take the decision. However, in a PTA meeting, which Aisha did not attend, it was decided that only a colour change for the uniform was enough. In addition, the neck pattern for full collars was made mandatory for girls.

Uniform pattern of PTA may continue

Aisha applied to the headmaster to permit her daughter to wear a shirt and pants but her request was refused. She lodged a complaint with the Education Minister on June 14. A discussion was held with the head teacher and PTA under the leadership of the district education officer after that but PTA did not yield. After this, the Director of General Education issued an order allowing Jannat to wear a gender neutral uniform and to continue the uniform pattern of the PTA. Jannat is the daughter of Charlie Kabirdas (late). Samaraweera was added to Jannat's name out of admiration for Sri Lankan cricketers.

'Friends and teachers appreciated. It was a relief when I put on a shirt and pants."
-Jannat Samaraweera