5 Strategies schools can implement to ensure gender equality in education

Education and gender equality can be defined in simple terms as explaining the equal rights of boys and girls to learn, grow and succeed. To this end, schools have a tremendous responsibility to ensure this equality. It is necessary that each learner, irrespective of their gender, is given an equal opportunity to learn.

Time and again, this data according to UNICEF haunts us – 

• A staggering 129 million girls around the world are currently out of school…..
• Gender parity in primary education has been achieved in only 49% of countries….
• Only 42% of countries have achieved gender parity in lower secondary education….
• This figure drops to a mere 24% for upper secondary education….

It all starts at the school level. When at the very basic level, there is a disparity between girls and boys, it harms girls from reaching their full potential.

The role of school in promoting gender equality

 All starts at school and can be fixed at the school level itself. Here are five simple strategies that Educate Girls suggests, that schools can implement to promote gender equality in education.

1. Promote gender equality activities for students

Gender equality activities can be described as practical and fun sessions where students are taught more about fairness when dealing with the opposite gender. These activities also assist the students in embracing the individual accomplishments of boys and girls and prevent the attainment of a certain achievement by one party at the expense of the other.

Examples of gender equality activities

• Role-playing activities: Encourage learners to dramatise situations that make them change roles for the day like a girl soldier or a boy nurse. It is not just creative, but a very effective way of removing stereotypes. 
• Debates and group discussions: Encourage gender discussions and debates on specific topics. Try to involve the students in giving their opinions as well as try and listen to what others are saying.
• Interactive games: Choose games that would require cooperation between the genders, emphasizing the fact that both genders have the same capabilities of working in a team.

These activities make students create more awareness of issues to do with gender, the rights of individuals, and the significance of equity. They also help the students to develop analytical ability towards stereotyping and biases.

2. Encourage equal participation in all school activities

Ensuring that boys and girls have equal chances to participate in activities at school is effective to address the gender issue. From learning subjects to taking part in games and other co-curricular activities, girls should be given a chance everywhere.

Strategies for encouraging equal participation

• Mixed-gender teams: Both boys and girls should be a part of the team – be it for sporting events or an academic group formation.
• Encouragement and support: Nothing works as magic as a few words of motivation – use them!
• Recognition of achievements: Schools should provide equal respect to all students while appreciating their accomplishments.

Students are empowered when they realise they can contribute to a particular activity, so having a hand symbol enhances their morale. 

3. Emphasise on the role of a teacher in gender equality

Teachers need to have positive attitudes towards gender equity at school to bring the change we all want to see. They are in a position to shape the behaviour at an early stage of every person’s life. The best way to emphasise and amplify a teacher’s role here is by empowering and training them to handle the situation.

Teacher training programs

• Inclusive curriculum development: Educate the teachers on how to embrace the uniqueness of each gender while designing and delivering a curriculum.
• Workshops and seminars: Inculcate the importance of teachers by frequently conducting workshops/ seminars focusing on gender aspects as well as pedagogy.
• Mentorship programs: A simple chat, or a full-fledged session – anything with experienced teachers to inform the newly hired teachers on how they should ensure gender sensitivity is upheld in class can be very effective.

If teachers are fully equipped with the information regarding gender issues, they can assess the teaching environment and uphold gender equity for all students

4. Implement policies and practices that promote gender equality

Clear policies that promote gender equality can help ensure that schools are fair and inclusive places for all students. These policies should be developed using a 360-degree approach, involving students, teachers, and parents.

Examples of gender equality policies

• Anti-discrimination policies: Strict, strong and very explicit policies that prohibit discrimination based on gender need to be put into effect.
• Equal access to resources: Ensure that all students have equal access to school resources, such as books and notebooks, technology, and extracurricular activities.
• Gender-neutral language: Replace “he” and “she” with “they”, to use gender-neutral language in all school communications to promote inclusivity.

Clear policies are like the guidelines for promoting gender equality and ensuring that everyone knows what is expected of them. 

5. Nurture a supportive school culture

Creating a school culture that values and promotes gender equality is essential for promoting fair treatment and respect for all students.

Strategies for fostering a supportive culture

• Inclusive leadership: Encourage school leaders to be the shining examples of inclusive behaviour and promote gender equality in all aspects of school life.
• Parent and community involvement: Make parents and the community a part of the process of promoting gender equality.
• Safe spaces: Create safe spaces where students can discuss gender issues and seek support if they experience discrimination.

When students know they are in an inclusive environment, their chances of success are higher, and they also feel confident in their abilities.

Donation to Educate Girls – effective ways to promote equality

Promoting gender equality in schools is very important for creating a fair and inclusive society. Nothing will be possible if we as a community do not step forward and do our bit. By donating towards educating girls, you are supporting Educate Girls in enabling girl children to get the education they deserve. By working together, we can build a future where gender equality is the way of life.