‘Olot-Palot’: Challenging Traditional Gender Roles Through Games

Azad Foundation Kolkata organized a unique sports event titled “Olot Palot” that brought together MGJ members, Azad Kishori leaders, and their parents for a day of high energy and excitement. The event was designed to challenge and break traditional gender stereotypes through interactive and engaging games, reflecting the foundation’s commitment to promoting gender equality.

Sports often reinforce gender divisions and stereotypes from a young age, shaping the roles that boys and girls are expected to play in society. Understanding this, “Olot Palot” was created to turn these roles upside down—offering a fresh perspective on gender roles by engaging participants in activities traditionally associated with the opposite gender.

For boys, the games focused on tasks they typically wouldn’t engage in, such as making rotis, folding sarees and shirts, threading needles, folding mosquito nets, putting pillow covers, and even racing after making a braid. These activities not only provided a fun challenge but also fostered an understanding of the everyday tasks often left to women. On the other hand, girls participated in games that are usually seen as ‘male’ domains, like kicking a football, fixing a bulb with an electric point, hammering nails, and competing in a sum race. These activities boosted their confidence in skills traditionally considered out of reach for them and showed that they are equally capable of performing these tasks.

“Olot Palot” was not just about playing games- it was about identifying gender-based discrimination and discriminatory social norms that start in childhood. The event brought together participants of all ages, including parents, to witness and take part in the breaking down of gender barriers, promoting a more inclusive and equal society from the ground up.