Advancing Gender Equality through Innovative Digital Platforms in a Post-COVID Reality in India.

• In Event: Cultural Arts, Identity, and Employability Skills: Exploring Youth Development in Diverse Educational Spaces

Proposal

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the global educational landscape has undergone a profound transformation, accelerating the shift toward digital learning platforms and revealing significant disparities in access to quality education. As educational institutions worldwide grapple with the complexities of this new reality, there is an urgent need to innovate pedagogical approaches that not only adapt to the digital environment but also address pressing social issues, such as gender inequality. This presentation introduces a digital platform developed as an extension of Breakthrough India’s on the ground program, “Legion of Stars,” a flagship gender equity initiative for adolescents aged 11 to 18 years. Launched in 2023, this platform leverages digital tools to influence and reshape adolescents' attitudes toward gender equality in a world where traditional, in-person learning is increasingly supplemented or replaced by online education.
The original "Legion of Stars" program has demonstrated significant success in promoting gender-equitable attitudes and behaviours among its participants. An impact assessment of the offline initiative, which has reached over one million adolescents, revealed a 16% increase in adolescents' positive attitude towards education and employment of women and girls. Behavioural changes were particularly notable among boys, who reported greater involvement in household chores and a more proactive stance in encouraging their sisters' educational pursuits.
Building on this foundation, the newly developed digital platform integrates evidence-based content with advanced digital learning methodologies, including interactive modules, real-life scenario simulations, and gamified experiences. These tools are specifically designed to challenge entrenched stereotypes, promote empathy, and foster critical thinking among young users. The platform offers a personalised learning journey that encourages adolescents to question and dismantle traditional gender norms, adopt equitable practices, access essential child safeguarding services, and develop their skills across educational, familial, and community contexts. Through this innovative approach, the platform empowers young people to envision and actively contribute to a more equitable society.
The platform is currently available in both self-paced and facilitator-driven formats, with 24 modules designed for independent learning and 18 modules tailored for guided instruction. To date, over 60,000 adolescents have engaged with the digital program, showing measurable gains in their understanding of gender equality and their ability to act as agents of change within their communities.
This presentation will explore the design and development process of the application, present findings from user feedback, and the challenges resolved. The discussion will further examine the implications for educators and policymakers in integrating digital tools to advance gender equity in a post-pandemic educational context. By addressing the new challenges and opportunities presented by the COVID-19 crisis, this presentation argues for a more integrated approach to digital education, one that prioritises social justice and equity as foundational elements of the learning experience in the 21st century.
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the need for educational systems to be resilient, adaptable, and inclusive. It has also exposed deep-rooted inequalities, particularly in access to digital resources and support structures. Against this backdrop, the presentation will advocate for the strategic use of digital platforms not merely as temporary solutions but as transformative tools that can reshape educational practices and policies in favour of a more just and equitable future. By harnessing digital innovations to promote critical reflection and empathy, this initiative aims to build a generation of learners who are equipped to challenge and transform social inequities, even in times of unprecedented crisis.
Ultimately, this presentation calls for a reimagining of educational practices in a digital society, where technology is leveraged not only for information dissemination but also for cultivating social change. It invites educators, policymakers, and stakeholders to engage in new dialogues and partnerships that envision a future where learning is equitable, inclusive, and prepared to meet the complex challenges of a post-COVID world.

Author

• Sunita Menon, Breakthrough Trust