Faculty Development Program Introduction to Gender-Responsive Pedagogy In this presentation we will explore key terms related to gender and gender bias and stereotypes, and discuss gender responsive pedagogy-what does pedagogy mean? (in short, activities related to teaching and learning and the process of learning)

Sex refers to biological differences between men and women. Key Terms Game True or False…? Sex refers to biological differences between men and women. TRUE… and Gender refers to social, economic, political and cultural opportunities based on sex. Take some examples b/w SEX vs. GENDER

What is the difference between gender equality and gender equity? Key Terms Game What is the difference between gender equality and gender equity? Equality means both enjoy equal rights and equity means both have equal opportunities

Inequality looks like this…. Women are more likely than men to experience sexual and domestic violence. Men are often paid more than women for the same work. Men are in more positions of power within the medical field and in business. Women bear the brunt of the AIDS epidemic, both in terms of total infections and in care and support for those living with HIV. Women have less opportunity for leadership positions Other examples???

Equity vs. Equality Equity does not mean treating everyone the same, but…

Equity vs. Equality Equity means to help ‘level the playing field’ and give everyone an equal change, equal opportunity Gender Equity is the process of being fair to men and women. Gender equity leads to gender equality.

Equity in Practice An affirmative action policy adopted by a health facility to increase the number of women in senior leadership posts may be gender-equitable because it leads to ensuring equal rights among men and women. Providing additional life skills coaching and support to female students may help reduce student drop-outs and lead to greater equity in education Other examples?

Key Terms Game “boys don’t cry” For each example, indicate if it is a gender ROLE (expected tasks or roles or a gender STEREOTYPE (expected likes or behaviors). “boys don’t cry” “men should become doctors, not nurses” “girls are more compassionate” “women should be submissive” STEREOTYPE ROLE Gender Roles are the behaviors, tasks, and responsibilities that are considered appropriate for women and men as a result of socio-cultural norms and beliefs. Gender roles are usually learned in childhood. Gender roles change over time as a result of social and/or political change. Gender Stereotypes Gender Stereotypes are ideas that people have on masculinity and femininity: what men and women of all generations should be like and are capable of doing. (e.g. girls are allowed to cry, and boys are expected to be brave and not cry.) STEREOTYPE ROLE

Gender-Responsive Pedagogy: Definition What do we mean by “gender-responsive pedagogy?” Gender-responsive pedagogy refers to teaching and learning processes that take into account the specific learning needs of female and male students. Remind participants of the cartoon illustrating the difference between gender equity and gender equality, and the fact that the test was inequitable because it failed to take into account the strengths and limitations of the various candidates. As a result, the candidates did not all have an equal chance of succeeding at the test. Likewise, gender-responsive pedagogy aims to ensure that teaching approaches, processes, materials etc. are mindful of gender norms, and of the particular realities of female and male student that may facilitate or hinder their learning process and, ultimately, their academic achievement. In a few minutes we will review our own practices using a gender-responsive pedagogy checklist.

Gender-Responsive Pedagogy: Teacher Biases The gender biases of teachers are often expressed through language that reveals their personal beliefs/attitudes regarding women and men, and the social norms related to women’s and men’s roles and responsibilities. Teachers must remain aware of their own personal attitudes and beliefs regarding gender norms and the ways in which their attitudes and beliefs may adversely affect female and male students’ learning and academic performance.

Gender-Responsive Pedagogy: Teacher Biases, cont’d When a female student is assertive, she is told to stop behaving like a man. “Women are not as good at science as men.” “Men are better doctors than women because they’re more rational and they are natural leaders.” “Women make better nurses than doctors because they are naturally nurturing”. Some examples of gender biases, what other examples have you observed?

Gender-Responsive Pedagogy: Teacher Biases cont’d   Don’t use gender insulting language, ban its use by your students, and speak up when fellow teachers and other adults speak this way. Language use isn’t just about semantics, it’s also about avoiding making biased and stereotypical statements about women and men.

Liberia Educational Standards Address Gender Area 4: Institutional Management Addresses sexual harassment policies Pregnancy and other gender related health issues Know your educational accreditation standards! The Liberia accreditation standards now include some key standards focused on gender-responsive institutions

Application Exercise Review the gender-responsive pedagogy checklist and self-assess your current practices Be honest! You do not need to share your answers We will ask for reflections after you finish.