The Review Paper, presents the analysis and evaluation on gender equality and fight against gender bias. The paper arises from the research on training and learning needs in adult education in this topic within the organisations.
The methods and tools used for the review are interviews with experts, desk research, focus groups and online surveys.
The results of the review are depicted in a description of the situation in FENCE partner countries. This includes a general framework, the training methodological models regarding gender equality, an analysis of the learning needs, the profile of trainees in gender equality and the analysis and assessment of the existing learning environments. The research also provides a collection of 12 best practices, a section of conclusions, and literature and resources.
Main conclusions showed that:
- Equal opportunities are considered a central factor in the successful and sustainable development of countries, affecting all areas of life (social, economic, welfare, education, etc.). However, in some countries, public speech is dominated by conservative views from both political and important public figures, supporting traditional gender roles and stereotypes
- There is often strong support from the legislature and other bodies for implementing equality as a mainstream policy but sometimes there is a lack of monetary commitment or long term evaluation/monitoring of the plans that results in ineffective actions.
- The main principle of the national laws on education is equal opportunities; however, despite the different initiatives, inequalities exist in the educational system, which has an impact on the future career prospects and working lives of boys and girls.
- In the labour market, companies adopt programmes for gender equality at work that are either funded by themselves or supported by authorities (certifications, labels, subsidies for day-care units, etc.). However not all countries have the support from authorities for training in the workplace.
- Some medium/large companies have embedded gender equality corporate social responsibility (CSR) in their policies but small organisations often have poor HR leadership and policing the different aspects of law falls to individuals.
If you want to know more about learning styles and good practices, follow the link to The Review Paper!
