Aim & Learning Objectives
This module aims at bringing students/teachers/school staff into contact with terms and concepts of gender, making them aware of their experiences and identity and those of others, combating stereotypes based on gender, reflecting on incidents of violence that may occur within schools, learning how they could be prevented and how to deal with them.
Through this module, learners (teachers, educators, school principles, staff and related stakeholders) are expected to:
Get familiar with terms and concepts related to gender
Reflect about students’ stereotypes and gender-based violence at school, and how to prevent or deal with them
Reflect about causes and consequences of gender-based violence in order to combat its causes
Learning Outcomes
As a result of participating in this module, learners (teachers, educators, school principles, staff and related stakeholders) will be able to:
- Understand and define basic terms and concepts related to gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation and emotional orientation
- Understand the meaning of gender-based violence, be able to recognize it and consider its impact of GBV on those affected by it, especially pupils
- Start or address a discussion related to gender diversity when perceived as a controversial issue
- Promote open and respectful dialogue in class regarding gender-related issue, preventing gender-based stereotypes and violence.
The Genderbread person
Introductory activity for teachers or students
Gender-based violence at school
A scenario-based activity helping teachers to understand in practice different concepts related to gender and stereotypes and violence connected to it that can happen at school
The impact of stereotypes based on gender
A scenario-based activity focusing on everyday situations that can help students to identify stereotypes and gender-based violence that can happen at school and reflect about its impact.
✔Get informed and Educate Yourself
Before discussing gender with your students, take the time to educate yourself about the topic, deepen the concepts presented in the module and familiarize yourself about identities from across the gender spectrum. Get informed about the issues and challenges that gender-nonconforming communities face. The field is continually evolving, and it’s essential to keep your knowledge current. This will help you feel more confident and accurate when discussing the subject.
✔Use Inclusive Language and Respect Pronouns
In your classroom, use inclusive language that acknowledges the diversity of gender identities. Instead of “Good morning boys and girls,” just say, “Good morning everyone.”
Avoid making assumptions about gender and be open to using gender-neutral terms where appropriate. Ask your students about their preferred pronouns: if you’re not sure about a student’s pronouns, it’s okay to ask in a private and respectful manner.
✔Create a Safe Space and Be Open to Questions
Establish a classroom culture where all students feel safe and respected. Make it clear that discrimination, harassment, or bullying based on gender or gender identity will not be tolerated. Encourage your students to ask questions about gender and create an open, non-judgmental space for discussion. If you don’t know the answer to a question, it’s okay to say so and offer to find the information.
✔Discuss Stereotypes
Encourage critical thinking by discussing and challenging gender stereotypes. Help your students recognize that people can express their gender in various ways, and it’s important not to judge or make assumptions based on appearance or behavior.
✔Address Bullying and Discrimination
Be proactive in addressing any situation of gender-based bullying or discrimination in your classroom. Create a policy for addressing these issues, and ensure that students know how to report any incidents.
✔Teach Consent and Boundaries
Incorporate discussions about consent, healthy relationships, and respecting personal boundaries into your curriculum and/or discuss with other teachers about the opportunity to do so. This helps promote a culture of respect and understanding.
✔Incorporate Diverse Voices
Include diverse voices in your curriculum, including authors, historical figures, and role models from various gender backgrounds. Highlight the contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals in different fields.
✔Engage Parents and Guardians
Maintain open communication with parents and guardians, so they are aware of the topics being discussed in your classroom and can be supportive at home.
✔Respect Privacy
Always respect the privacy of your students. Some may not be comfortable discussing their gender identity openly, so be sensitive to their needs.
✔Avoid dividing your class based on gender, such as instructing students to form separate lines for boys and girls.
✔Check if the school provides private and gender-neutral restroom facilities for students. If not, consider discussing the matter with your school’s headteacher to advocate for the implementation of gender-neutral bathrooms, which can significantly enhance the school experience for transgender and non-binary students.
✔Ensure that your classroom materials, including textbooks and teaching aids, are inclusive and represent a variety of gender identities.
✔Celebrate LGBTQ+ and gender-related awareness days, such as the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia or LGBTQ+ History Month, in your classroom.
https://www.amnesty.org/en/what-we-do/discrimination/lgbti-rights/
https://www.coe.int/en/web/gender-matters/activities
https://www.genderbread.org/resource/genderbread-person-v4-0-worksheet-fill-in-the-blanks
https://gaycenter.org/about/lgbtq/
https://glaad.org/reference/terms
https://www.plannedparenthood.org/
https://cesie.org/en/resources/children-first-teachers-training-materials/
https://eige.europa.eu/gender-based-violence/what-is-gender-based-violence
https://practice-school.eu/media/part2_
https://ysafe.net/ippf/toolkit/part-03/chapter-10/activity-10-07/stories-of-gender-based-violence/
UNESCO, International technical guidance on sexuality education: An evidence-informed approach, 2018
EC, Sexuality education across the European Union: an overview, 2020