Facilitating Equality Through Education

Objectives:

The scope of this initiative was to challenge gender roles and stereotypes that form part of the formal education process, and that lead primary and secondary school students to aspire for work and private life roles influenced by their gender rather than their interests. 

It sensitised students and teachers on gender equality, and on the responsibility of men and fathers in carrying out tasks that are still associated to women’s / mother’s traditional role. 

Research:

An analysis on the perceptions of children (primary and secondary students) on the roles of men and women in the domestic sphere as parents, as well as in professional careers.

The results from the research analyses carried out in Malta, Cyprus and Latvia, showed that progress has been made in past decades towards a more gender balanced society, but gender imbalances were still evident in education systems.

 Facilitating Equality Through Education Research Report 2006

Training:

Training seminars were provided to teachers and prospective teachers on gender equality and work-life balance.  Teachers discussed gender issues, and the need for allowing boys and girls to have equal access to educational tools.  Moreover, they were sensitised to use gender-neutral language in their presentations of work and family responsibilities.

Awareness Raising:

This project entailed the production and printing of stationery, for example bookmarks, posters, colouring book and other promotional materials that were disseminated through an activity week held in Valletta.  The public was invited to attend a one hour interactive theatre session that covered various aspects of family life and presented a model of a symmetrical family. 

               Project Ref.      VP/2004/019

               Project Name   Facilitating Equality through Education

               Fund                 Community Framework Strategy on Gender Equality

               Start Date        August 2005

               End Date          February 2007

               Partners           University of Malta

                                                 Ministry for Education, Youth and Employment

                                                 National Machinery for Women’s Rights, Cyprus

                                                 Coalition for Gender Equality, Latvia