AS the debate on the Department of Basic Education’s proposed unisex policies rages on, a Cape Town school forged ahead and has been lauded for its gender-neutral approach.
Recently, Pinelands North Primary School won the third spot in the World’s Best School Prizes for overcoming adversity. The school was recognised for breaking barriers to create an inclusive learning environment for all - this includes its policies on gender.
Pinelands’ principal, Anne Morton, said they adopted gender-neutral bathrooms and non-gender-specific uniforms to create a sense of belonging for all their learners.
“We had a child who came to our school in 2005. She had been a boy at the previous school and came to us as a girl, and (what) worried her the most was would she have to share the boys bathrooms,” said Morton.
“We realised there was a need for bathrooms that anyone could go to.”
Morton said the school governing body (SGB) and the parents funded the change to the toilet.
“We took out the wall of one of the main school passages, which opens onto one of the girls’ bathrooms ... entry and exit is via the main passage.”
She said it now had six gender neutral stalls with doors and locks for privacy.
“We realised that the gender-neutral bathrooms are much safer because in an enclosed girls bathroom if you go into that room, you can be exposed to anyone hiding in a side cubicle or entering unnoticed.”
Morton said, to date, no child has ever reported feeling unsafe.
“In fact, we found most children simply utilise these toilets rather than the male or female toilets.
Morton does, however, respect other schools' decisions.
“Ultimately, this would differ from school to school, but it’s just about taking into account what possibilities may be there to make it more inclusive, and even safer, for everyone.”
A learner at the school, who chose to speak on the basis of anonymity, said she appreciated the school's openness.
“I like the fact that we don't have to wear dresses. I am a girl, but I don't like dresses.
“The toilet thing (was) at first weird, but it becomes normal.”
The girl’s parent said the gender-neutral toilets were a positive move.
“From a young age (a child) will feel if he or she is different, so imagine having a boy who is gay, but now he has to share a bathroom with more boys who constantly bullies him?
Next year, the department’s concept guidelines, which include the abolishment of gender-specific pronouns, adapting the curriculum and establishing unisex bathrooms, are expected to open up for public comment.
This week, the Department of Basic Education said the guidelines were yet to be adopted.
The department’s spokesperson, Elijah Mhlanga, said the narrow focus on “unisex toilets” missed the bigger debate on the elimination of gender discrimination and the need to create a socially conducive environment in schools.
“Although we have an unambiguous constitution and inclusive education policies and legislation, schools needed an instrument that would help them avoid violation of children's rights,” said Mhlanga.
“A formal public engagement process will take place once the current phase of consultations are concluded. The department appeals for calm as the matter is still being processed in terms of the normal protocols.”
Western Cape MEC for Education, David Maynier, said supported separate girls and boys.
“However, school governing bodies and parents make decisions to add unisex bathrooms, should they wish to do so.”
Maynier said the school’s decision should be transparent and make provision for consultation.
Education activist Hendrick Makaneta raised concerns about gender-neutral toilets.
“Safety is concerned. Those making input need to be vigilant. Safety must be a priority,” he said.
Vanessa Le Roux, founder of Parents for Equal Education South Africa, also shot down the proposal.
“(How do you) justify this hogwash that you want to force on our children with the most absurd justifications. Do you have any idea the social challenges that poor communities face? Parents worry how many of our young children will be raped while all genders share a toilet. What about the right to privacy of our young girls who (are) on their menstrual cycle?
“There is so many issues that you can really address, bullying is becoming a pandemic, and you are silent while we lose our children."