One thing I think schools (in countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, etc.) should teach (especially in smaller towns/rural areas) is gender equality.
In patriarchal societies like these, girls are rarely encouraged to speak up, express their ideas, or say what they truly feel. As a result, many girls grow up without knowing how to set healthy boundaries or make their own decisions. This later affects their self-confidence.
Schools should teach girls from a young age:
- it's okay to express their feelings and needs
- It's okay to say "no" without guilt
- to be celebrated for their ideas and strengths, not just for how they look or how obedient they are.
Along with this, financial literacy should be taught as well. They need to learn how to budget, save, invest, and understand taxes, because often, these skills are handled by the male members of their families. When they suddenly need to manage things on their own, it can become intimidating.
Lastly, one of the biggest things is giving them the opportunity to make choices. Often, decisions are made for them. If schools provide girls the space to make decisions early on, they’ll gradually build trust in their own judgment and learn to lead their own lives.