Baghdad, December 31: The Iraqi government is planning to separate boys and girls in schools, a decision that is generating debate about how far it can help in the country’s development.
“We aren’t forcing gender division but building an environment where education can improve,” Wafa’a al-Marasma, senior official at the Ministry of Education in Baghdad, told.
“Recent international studies suggest that such division can help in teaching and learning process and we are happy to try in Iraq.”
A Return to Single-Sexed Classes?
The Ministry of Education has decided to start implementing the new decision in primary schools, than later at higher levels.
“The division has been implanted at Sadr district in Baghdad,” al-Marasma said.
She noted that although the decision in the Shiite-dominated area was influenced by a religious group, it has been well accepted by locals.
The official admitted that some parents in other districts of Baghdad oppose the decision.
“We suggest those parents surf the internet and learn about the benefits it could have on their children’s life.”
In March, a new British research concluded that girls in single-sex schools perform much better academically and more likely to stay in education than their counterparts in mixed schools.
The largest improvements even came among those who did badly at primary school, before they go to single-sex schools, according to the study, commissioned by the Good Schools Guide.
Researchers found that girls struggling academically when they started secondary school benefited most from being in girls-only schools.
Mixed
The decision to go for single-sex schools drew criticism from human rights organisations and activists.
“This decision goes against Iraq’s Constitution, which guaranteed same freedom of expression and rights to all sexes,” Mayada Zuhair, a women activist and social researcher, told.
“We don’t disagree about the possible good performance of students based on international studies.”
She insists that dividing students will reinforce differences, generate more discrimination and destroy any hope of a future democracy.
“Iraq isn’t a European country that crossed gender differences but still a country where women are seen inferior and struggling to find their place in society.”
Huda Mustafa, a primary school teacher, agrees with the argument.
“It is already hard to change some strong religious interference over children and I’m afraid that dividing by gender will reinforce, instead of ending, gender discrimination.”
But Ali al-Jaryu, a mechanic and father of two girls at primary school, disagrees.
“Iraq is in a very delicate period and our girls should feel protected,” he told.
“Iraq is a Muslim country and our religion is very clear about the importance to keep contact with the same gender until marriage, except at home.
“We are looking forward for democracy but it shouldn’t affect our religious beliefs,” he insisted.
“Maybe in the future they can lift this decision but nowadays I see it as the best option.
-Agencies