Gender Education

What is gender? Gender is social cultural and psychological characteristics that indentify one as male or female in a given society. They are the biological differences that define man or a woman.

Agents that Perpetuate Gender Discrimination

Culture
stereotyping
poverty
illiteracy

Gender Stereotyping

Stereotyping refers to a set of beliefs and attitudes not based on reality. Examples may include

Female stereotype	Male stereotype
Gentle	Rough
Caring	Individualistic
Physically weak	Physically strong
Less intellectual	More intellectual
Submissive	Assertive
Cannot lead followers in a	Are leaders
household	Heads of household
Gossip	Discuss issues
Cannot make decisions	Decision-makers

Other stereotypes may include:

Masculine should……	Feminine should…..
Be in control	Be emotionally sensitive
Appear unemotional	Be vulnerable
Be dominant	Submit to wishes of men
Be sexually active	Be dependent
Have many partners	Meet needs of others before
Head the family	their own
Be the bread winner	Be physically attractive
Avoid household work	Be tolerant
Be strong (resolve conflicts	Avoid	careers	in
with violence)	mathematics and sciences
Take risks	Have	childrenat	the

Be in careers	that are	command of men etc
mechanical and	analytical)
etc.

Effects of Gender on an Individual Life

Poor self-concept
Discrimination
Indecisiveness
Illiteracy
Low self-esteem

Effects of stereotypes in relationships

Violence when women refuse to be submissive or take decisions
Resentment when a woman is earning and the man is not or when a woman is earning more than the man
Rape
Discrimination in the workplace
Harassment

Strategies to Eliminate Gender Discrimination

To treat individuals equally irrespective of their gender Creating gender-friendly environment
Providing gender friendly facilities career
Learners should be encouraged to work hard in all subjects and to pursue any
Encourage games and leisure for all learners without discrimination
Assigning equal duties and responsibilities to all the learner regardless of gender Guiding and counseling all the learners on responsible sexual behavior, hiv&aids, drug misuse and abuse and responsible adulthood and other aspects of learning.
Analyzing examination, repetition, and drop out in terms of gender to detect and gender bias.
Encouraging the parents and the community to have positive attitude towards girls and boys education
Encouraging girls who become pregnant to resume school after delivering

Values Associated with Gender Parity

Tolerance
Simplicity
Respect
Love
Unity
Humility
Honesty