Gender Equality

In collaboration with the Scottish Government’s Gender Equality in Education and Learning Taskforce, and alongside the Scottish Youth Parliament, we have created a Theory of Change model to address gender inequality in the education system.

A report on the children’s process and the resulting Theory of Change is available here.

The long-term aims of the Gender Equality in Education and Learning Taskforce are that girls and young women:

• Are taught by gender-competent educational professionals. 
• Do not experience sexism, sexual harassment, or gender-based violence in the classroom, or other educational settings. 
• Can freely choose subjects and areas of study, including those traditionally dominated by boys and men.

Working backward from these aims we worked with 18 girls and six boys from P5-S2 to build a Theory of Change that would lead from where we are now to an education system that would allow girls to be treated fairly, feel safe, and be able to freely choose their activities and subjects.  

The girls we spoke to brought insight and clarity to the consideration of where we are now. They were positive about the future of gender-equal education; they were excited to share their hopes and solutions around gender equality in education and learning. They were also clear on the message to decision-makers – change needs to happen and it needs to start now.

In 2022, our Child Human Rights Defenders group presented this issue and the children’s Calls to Action, to the First Minister and Scottish Cabinet. You can read more about their meeting here.

Beyond theory

Through our Dignity in School (2022-2025) programme, Children’s Parliament was able to build upon the learning shared through the Theory of Change development to work with children from Park Primary, Stranraer to co-create a teaching resource designed to support the exploration of gender and gender inequality in schools through a rights-based approach.

This resource will help you explore ideas around gender, gender stereotypes, gender norms and gender inequality by:

1. Investigating characters in traditional fairy tales to explore gender stereotypes.
2. Creating contemporary fairy tales set in the modern day to challenge gender stereotypes.
3. Examining children’s perceptions of gender roles and jobs.
4. Reflecting on gender inequality through various activities.
5. Exploring how different genders experience the school campus and learning environment.

Access the Exploring Gender Equality Learning Resource here.

Gender Equality in Education and Learning consultation was funded by Scottish Government and delivered alongside Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP)

Dignity in School was supported by Gordon Cook Foundation.