Father didn’t know how to smoke cigars correctly

Father extinguishes ashes on mother’s vagina

Nobody knew why I wasn’t born

Everyone blamed the young midwife for what happened

***

Voice is the right to noise

Trembling is the right to weakness

My father recently fell asleep

People are not able to choose what they dream about when they sleep

Dead people cannot choose who to visit in a dream

My dad recently fell asleep in a cemetery

The grass is the same everywhere even near the grave

The night is always the same even at dawn

My dad fell asleep on the grass at night in a cemetery

The next morning no one woke up in the cemetery

***

The broken silence of time

You are listening to the screams of future embryos

You don’t hear anything and your viscous legs stick to the cemetery

It’s raining again in the cemetery

You’re falling into the cemetery again

Sperm time crunches underfoot

Knowledge

To the real world with the mind’s connection

What should be or not

To face anything good or bad

Wrong or right

Presents unseen

To the conscience with the light to justice

No other than human being it possesses

It is set up to live better in life

Like the starry light on the garden

The smooth way to go

The world is decorated in such a way

We think and make our own design

Not to see the devastation on Gaza

Or other country’s death in fight

Or in racial conflict in our country or others

Or in starvation in Africa

Let all the birds die and only we live

Knowledge, how are you always being used to lead? 

Md. Mahbubul Alam is from Bangladesh. His writer name is Mahbub John in Bangladesh. He is a Senior Teacher (English) of Harimohan Government High School, Chapainawabganj, Bangladesh. Chapainawabganj is a district town of Bangladesh. He is an MA in English Literature from Rajshahi College under National University. He has published three books of poems in Bangla. He writes mainly poems but other branches of literature such as prose, article, essay etc. also have been published in national and local newspapers, magazines, little magazines. He has achieved three times the Best Teacher Certificate and Crest in National Education Week in the District Wise Competition in Chapainawabganj District. He has gained many literary awards from home and abroad. His English writings have been published in Synchronized Chaos for seven years.

Hilltop

Hilltop

far from the city

distant towers of cement

people stacked

with eyehole windows

searching the sky

wanting wings

dreams

hearing the hilltop

beyond their reach

prayers

magnified

taking

a deep breath

into the vastness of hope.

Rebellion

Laying down their guns

rebelling against war

soldiers walking away

back to their homes

families waiting

with open arms

tears sparkling

ringing bells

crowds gathering

singing to the stars.

Last Step

She saw me fall

my last step

with her arms open

to her

my love.

THE IMPORTANCE OF PSYCHOLOGICAL LITERACY IN ENSURING GENDER EQUALITY

Turon University

Faculty of Psychology, 3rd Year Student

Dilshoda Nodir qizi Nurboboyeva

Annotation: The article is dedicated to the importance of psychological literacy in ensuring gender equality. It analyzes the role and significance of psychological literacy in promoting gender equality within society. The study examines how individuals, through psychological literacy, can make conscious decisions to resist stereotypes and social pressures, explores the formation of gender stereotypes, and presents ways to reduce them. The research emphasizes the importance of strengthening psychological approaches within education, family, and community systems, and provides practical recommendations for promoting gender equality among both youth and adults.

Keywords: gender equality, psychological literacy, stereotype, social awareness, psychological culture, family, community, social change.

Аннотация: Статья «Важность психологической грамотности в обеспечении гендерного равенства» посвящена анализу роли и значимости психологической грамотности в процессе обеспечения гендерного равенства в обществе. Рассматривается, как индивид через психологическую грамотность может принимать осознанные решения, противостоя социальным стереотипам и давлениям. Также исследуются механизмы формирования гендерных стереотипов и пути их уменьшения. Подчеркивается важность усиления психологического подхода в системе образования, семьи и общества, а также приводятся практические рекомендации по продвижению гендерного равенства среди молодежи и взрослых.

Abstract: The article “The Importance of Psychological Literacy in Ensuring Gender Equality” examines the role and significance of psychological literacy in promoting gender equality within society. It analyzes how individuals, through psychological literacy, can make conscious decisions that counteract social pressures and stereotypes. The study also explores the formation of gender stereotypes and strategies for reducing them. Emphasis is placed on strengthening psychological approaches within education, family, and community systems, while providing practical recommendations for promoting gender equality among both youth and adults.

Keywords: gender equality, psychological literacy, stereotype, social awareness, psychological culture, family, community, social change.

INTRODUCTION

In modern society, the issue of gender equality is of central importance at both national and international levels. Governments, non-governmental organizations, and educational institutions increasingly emphasize the need to provide men and women with equal opportunities in social, economic, and political spheres. This aligns with global frameworks; for example, the United Nations recognizes gender equality as a key factor for sustainable development in its Sustainable Development Goals.

At the national level, Uzbekistan has implemented significant measures to strengthen gender equality, including legal reforms, political initiatives, and educational programs aimed at supporting women and developing social awareness. Nevertheless, various social, cultural, and psychological barriers limit the full implementation of gender equality principles. One of the main challenges is the persistence of gender stereotypes, traditional roles, and unconscious attitudes that affect decision-making and social interactions.

Research in psychology and education shows that psychological literacy plays a key role in understanding psychological concepts, self-awareness, and social perception, which are critical for ensuring equality and reducing the negative effects of stereotypes. Psychological literacy enables individuals to critically evaluate social norms, make conscious decisions, and engage in socially responsible behavior. This capacity is particularly important in addressing gender issues, fostering critical thinking, empathy, and inclusive attitudes in family, education, and community environments.

Given the international and national focus on gender equality, it is essential to study the role of psychological literacy in reducing gender stereotypes and promoting equal opportunities. This article aims to analyze the importance and role of psychological literacy in ensuring gender equality, its theoretical foundations, practical applications, and impact on policy and social development.

OBJECTIVES AND RATIONALE

The primary aim of this article is to determine the importance of psychological literacy in ensuring gender equality and to examine its influence on higher education, workgroups, and social relations in society. The study considers gender equality not only from legal and economic perspectives but also explores individuals’ and society’s attitudes toward gender stereotypes, mechanisms for their reduction, and the formation of social awareness through psychological literacy.

Key considerations in defining the objective:

Global and national significance of gender equality. International experience shows that gender equality is not limited to protecting women’s rights but also contributes to economic development, social stability, and the quality of education. Psychological literacy serves as a key tool for understanding gender equality, combating stereotypes, and creating an equitable social environment. Studying gender psychology and enhancing individual literacy in this area plays a vital role in national development strategies.

Level of study in the field. While gender equality issues are widely researched in economics, sociology, psychology, and education, the concept of ensuring gender equality through psychological literacy is relatively underexplored. Most studies focus on the rights of girls and women or gender disparities in the workforce, but psychological stereotypes in individuals, their modification, and promotion of equality through psychological tools remain insufficiently studied.

Specificity of the chosen problem. The issue of psychological literacy in ensuring gender equality focuses on analyzing relationships between individuals and society, identifying stereotypes, and developing concrete psychological strategies to overcome them. This problem differs from general gender equality issues because it is directly related to knowledge, awareness, and psychological behaviors rather than just economic or legal measures.

Research objective:

To determine the importance of psychological literacy in ensuring gender equality and to study its impact on individuals’ social attitudes, responses to stereotypes, and gender relations in higher education and society.

The research aims to deepen understanding of gender equality issues and provide scientific foundations for reducing stereotypes and promoting equal opportunities in society and higher education.

DESCRIPTION AND SOLUTION OF THE SCIENTIFIC PROBLEM

Today, gender issues are significant not only socially but also psychologically. In ensuring gender equality, psychological literacy—knowledge of gender roles, stereotypes, and equitable relationships—plays a crucial role. Insufficient psychological literacy leads to increased inequality between male and female students in higher education, persistence of societal gender stereotypes, limited individual potential, and slower economic and social development.

Current research highlights that Bem (2004) emphasized the importance of understanding gender roles and psychological approaches against stereotypes. Baker and Jones (1993) identified a connection between gender equality and educational outcomes across countries. In Uzbekistan, however, research in gender psychology is relatively limited, and psychological stereotypes among male and female students in higher education are insufficiently studied.

Empirical data indicate that in higher education, girls comprise approximately 39% and boys 61%. This disparity is influenced by psychological, social, and economic factors, with stereotypical values restricting girls’ access to education.

Thus, the scientific problem can be defined as: societal and higher education-related stereotypes and insufficient development of gender-related psychological literacy hinder the achievement of gender equality.

Solutions to the scientific problem include:

Increasing psychological literacy: Provide students and teachers with regular training, seminars, and courses on gender psychology, combating stereotypes, and equal rights; integrate gender equality topics into curricula; and organize interactive exercises and role-playing activities.

Reducing societal stereotypes: Implement programs promoting gender equality among parents and families, expand girls’ access to higher education, disseminate gender equality and psychological literacy information through media and online resources, and conduct awareness campaigns on equal opportunities.

Empirical research confirms the importance of psychological literacy. For example, among students aged 15–17, responses to the question “Who should have access to higher education?” were as follows:

Object

Percentage (%)

Boys

71.3

Girls

7.5

Most capable

19.0

No response

2.3

Opinions on the importance of higher education for girls by age and gender were:

Object

Percentage (%)

Boys

78.8

Girls

78.9

Women

71.6

Men

55.5

These results indicate that most of society recognizes the importance of higher education for girls, highlighting the potential for psychological literacy to strengthen gender equality.

Thus, the main approaches to addressing the scientific problem are: enhancing psychological literacy, reducing societal stereotypes, and applying a systematic approach based on empirical data. This strategy serves to improve gender relations not only in higher education but across society, ensuring equal opportunities for both girls and boys.

CONCLUSION

Ensuring gender equality in higher education and raising psychological literacy in society are of significant scientific and practical importance. Research results indicate that psychological literacy directly influences the reduction of gender stereotypes and inequalities in education. Promoting knowledge and social values related to gender equality among students helps form the concept of equal opportunities for girls and boys, ensuring effective functioning of higher education.

Empirical research, such as surveys conducted among students of the Economic Lyceum under Tashkent State University of Economics, shows that society—including boys, girls, and adults—recognizes the importance of girls’ higher education. However, persistent stereotypes (e.g., prioritizing boys as the main household earners, early marriage for girls) remain, which can be mitigated through enhancing psychological literacy. This underscores psychological literacy as a strategic factor in ensuring gender equality.

The analysis demonstrates that achieving gender equality requires not only legal and economic measures but also the development of societal psychology, education, and social values. Psychological literacy enhances access to higher education for girls and boys, contributes to sustainable societal development, improves human capital quality, and reduces gender stereotypes.

Key outcomes include:

Enhancing psychological literacy equalizes opportunities for boys and girls in higher education;

Changing societal gender stereotypes and values increases social activity and professional development for girls and women;

Implementing psychological literacy programs with the participation of parents, teachers, and the public can ensure genuine equality in higher education and society.

In conclusion, psychological literacy is a central element in ensuring gender equality and a primary tool for developing equal opportunities in higher education and society. By increasing psychological literacy, reducing stereotypes, and updating social values, genuine gender equality can be achieved, enabling girls and boys to fully realize their potential and participate actively in economic, social, and political spheres.

REFERENCES

Bem, S. L. (2004). Linzı gendera: Transformation of views on gender inequality. Moscow: ROSSPEN.

Saralieva, Z. Kh. (2004). Sociology of gender relations: Textbook for students of higher educational institutions. Moscow: ROSSPEN.

Baker, D. P., & Jones, D. P. (1993). Creating gender equality: Cross-national gender stratification and mathematical performance. Sociology of Education, 66, 91–103.

UNESCO. (2015). Education and gender equality: Monitoring and evaluation guidelines. Paris: UNESCO.

World Bank. (2012). Gender equality and development report. Washington, DC: World Bank.

Akramova, F. A. (2020). Problems of gender equality psychology in higher education. Psychological Journal.

UNICEF. (2018). Gender equality in education: A global perspective. New York: UNICEF.

Eagly, A. H., & Wood, W. (2003). The nature–nurture debate on gender development. American Psychologist, 58(2), 15–25.

World Economic Forum. (2021). Global gender gap report 2021. Geneva: WEF.

Kabeer, N. (2016). Gender equality and women’s empowerment: A critical analysis. Journal of Development Studies, 52(12), 1672–1688.

LENSES 

I was one with those voyeur stars; 

I had eyes and thought I could see 

through the hollow invisible NotSaids 

that keep the planet orderly. 

But “Orbit’s disjointed!” they say. 

I need a new optometrist 

“Magnifiers assemble the blaze! 

the noose rope already twists!

and our sky’s unconstellationed! 

we’re free to do within our chains! 

and we hold too fast to conditions! 

we must more dearly count the change!” 

So, should I rage 

or should I grieve 

in my omniscient grave? 

MOSQATHEDRAL 

(Roma/Mecca amalgaMates) 

You bachelors and spinsters: 

this Our, O disjoin us not, 

identitied opposites. 

Our Sames mediate Others. 

This Feast of the Unity 

of Captive Diversity. 

Summers harmonize winters. 

THOUGHT AND ACTION: 

the rise of Brit lit 

Pious poets would drink quicksilver despair: 

since Creation beggared imagination, 

they resignedly would abandon their craft. 

But secular old Petrarchus schooled Spencer, 

and Shakespeare knew, even while still in Avon, 

that, to surpass, he must teach his verse to act. 

JUST ONE = EITHER ONE

Impossibility:

like “a dove

can’t be,” disproved by just one sky.

Permanent is not eternal.

Now is not forever.

To circumstance adjust

frost, flood, dust,

Comdition isn’t definition.

Energy matters / matter energizes.

Conception itself conceives.

Is always was.

Life lives with no conception.

Posit amy sky

to prove

the dove’s

possibility

–or the crow’s

LAWS ARE THE CUCKOLDS, ALAS

1.

Laws

are to

lobbyists

as cuckolds 

to coquettes:

Effort and

ingredients

define all effects.

Law 

resembles

justice,

as cuckold

seems husband,

But

greatest counterfeit

can’t equal

or intend.

2.

Seduction

begins as a quest

abetted by a con

leading to conquest

3.

Experience

inverts

education:

The final test’s 

done first,

then the lessons.

4.

justice

stiffens into lawform

melts in passion’s heat

dissipates

back

into myst  ery

just/ice

…

PARENTAL LOVE 

Do you hear how the wind blows gems among the stars, when it blows away their brilliance? They are the diamonds from Bach’s Christmas oratorio and the kind of incense 

Which fills your soul’s house with infinity and their celestial light 

Tradition celebrates parental love through the birth of a divine nature 

There have always been altars in the Heavens, incomprehensible only to the family with a mother through the Holy Spirit 

But at Christmas, every year, in our human way, we celebrate the Father who came through the son to our earth 

The Son, Jesus Christ, the Word who became flesh, is the creative symphony itself, one with All that He created 

Light from Light, in the soul of every man, fractal-miraculous like love, instilled 

The miracle is not only in the one who forever “Is what Is” But also in the sacrifice of love, with which he gave a new message 

So let us understand the Son, as the part of the father who gave himself, to his other sons 

So much, Creation, He loved 

The unforgettable day

There is such a day when words become unnecessary

you touch someone’s shoulders

you are not ashamed of tears

then you understand more

than on other days of the year

the masks that hide resentments fall

it’s good that there is

such a unique day

a white communion wafer*

placed on hay

glows in the candlelight

then the Eternal One spreads love

without noise or advertising

then you do not shy away

From His touch

quiet and incomprehensible

Translated by Olga Smolnytska 

* In Polish tradition, on Christmas Eve, families share the Christmas communion wafer, which symbolizes love, unity, forgiveness and reconciliation between people. (The author’s note)

The Calling

I wandered, thinking off to the side

I tried to love

always imperfectly

an angel was shedding feathers

I didn’t see the signs

I understood very little

more and more questions are catching up with me

take my fear with your love

take me where nothing ever ends

silence becomes a melody

take me

Translated by Sr. Paula Drożdż

dewdrops

falling dewdrops

carelessly announced

their presence on the bench

wanted to arouse admiration

in a single moment in human

illuminated by the rays

of the rising sun

revealed a unity

split in two

Amazement

Filled the milieu 

Translated by Olga Smolnytska

Aleksandra Sołtysiak (Poland), graduate of the Catholic University of Lublin  and Jagiellonian University in Kraków. She has served as coeditor of the poetry anthology Dotyk nadzie (The Touch of Hope), which was translated into Ukrainian and German, as well as of the international anthology in support of world peace The tree of peace turns green / European poetry for universal harmony, which has been translated into Polish and English. She i also the author Hope blossoms longer and the published poetry volume „Spilled from the cases”. Finalist in the fourth International Poetry Contest, „Voices in the Wilderness” held in Rome (2022). She publishes nationally and internationally. She has also been awarded the Gold Cross of Merit by Polish president Andrzej Duda. In 2023 distinguished with a medal for Merit to Polish Culture.Information about the translator:Olga Smolnytska,  (Ukraine), PhD, writer, artist, literary critic.