Tackling gender inequalities from all angles - By Tina Pokuaah

 

Gender inequality is discrimination on the basis of sex or gender causing one sex or gender to be routinely privileged or prioritised over another. Starting in childhood, gender inequality can rob children of their childhoods and limit their chances – disproportionately affecting girls (Save the Children, 2022).

This discrimination continues into the workplace and business sector and despite significant investments in unconscious gender bias training, research has shown this has not resulted in greater levels of diversity within society (Harvard Business Review, 2020). Whilst this does not suggest that we shouldn’t continue to invest in reducing it, we may however have a greater impact by intervening during childhood before bias has a chance to set in.

It is critical that we all play a part in promoting, encouraging, equipping and enhancing a diverse and equal society for girls and boys to thrive. So, then the question is, how do we make gender advancement a reality?

Well to drive cultural awareness of gender bias this must be tacked from many angles, which includes:

·         The home

Gender inequalities stem from societies conception of gender differences. But the most powerful influence stems from our culture, and within our own homes. What children see and hear at home will lead to deep rooted bias that has a long-term impact and is difficult to change in adulthood, that any amount of training may not significantly reduce it.

·         Education

Schools should be advised and trained on gender inclusion through gender audits, workshops and policy consulting.  Facilitating awareness and learning regarding equality with different gender identities is important for pupils throughout various stages of their student lives.

‘Provide education, 2022’ for example provided some tips and ideas to guide schools on how to promote gender equality in the classroom. Such as ensuring educational materials are free from gender stereotypes. Challenging expectations of professions typically associated with a particular gender, for example include a female construction worker or soldier and a male secretary or nurse. As well as avoiding the term ‘guys,’ which may make female students feel excluded, use gender-neutral pronouns like ‘everyone.’

·         Public

Engaging policy makers in an effort to increase awareness and to influence policy making and decisions. As well as design programmes to empower and embolden all girls and boys across the UK to impact their society.

The way we collectively raise children, along with the role models we show them, will make a difference in the future they create, and most importantly in the values they hold as they take their place in society.