Wearing dark blue pants and a striped half-sleeve shirt—traditionally a boys’ uniform—11-year-old Jannath Samaveera elatedly entered her seventh-standard classroom at Government Boys Higher Secondary School (GBHSS), Manjeri, Malappuram, on Monday. It was a long-cherished dream she had held since the fifth standard, made possible by her mother, Advocate Aisha P Jamal, after a determined six-month-long battle to change the existing norms.

When Jamal first raised the issue in the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) meetings when Jannath was in class six, the response was lukewarm. The matter resurfaced ahead of the 2024-25 academic year when the school decided to change the uniform's colour and pattern. Once again, Jamal proposed a change to allow gender-neutral attire, but the PTA failed to reach a consensus.

Determined not to give up, Jamal filed a petition with the state government. "I fully support my daughter's wish to feel comfortable and confident in her attire. Allowing students to choose between salwar kameez and pants would foster inclusivity and respect for individual preferences," she argued.

Jamal's confidence in the system never wavered. Drawing on her 15 years of professional experience, she navigated the intricate governmental processes with patience and persistence. She remained optimistic, especially in light of Kerala's earlier efforts to introduce gender-neutral uniforms—a policy later stalled due to protests from conservative groups.

For six months, Jamal went through all sorts of bureaucratic hurdles. On November 11, the Malappuram District Educational Officer issued an order permitting Jannath to wear the uniform she preferred. The ruling also allowed other students to adhere to the PTA-directed uniform, ensuring flexibility for all.

Samaveera chose the gender-neutral uniform for its comfort and ease of movement, especially during sweltering climates and for engaging in sports-related activities. "I feel so comfortable in this dress, and everyone—my teachers and friends—are very supportive," she said.

For Jamal, a public prosecutor at the POCSO court in Manjeri, the issue was about her daughter’s right to choose. She questioned why her child couldn’t wear an approved uniform simply because she was female. She recalled instances when Samaveera had to remove the overcoat in class out of sheer discomfort during summer. Thus, in her petition to the government, Jamal emphasised the importance of comfort and inclusivity, adding, "It isn’t about defying rules but about ensuring individual rights."

The state government had in 2022 backed down on introducing gender-neutral uniforms. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had then told the assembly that the government did not intend to impose gender-neutral uniforms in schools in Kerala while responding to a submission on gender justice and equality.