In schools and colleges, teachers often deal with packed syllabuses. This makes it hard to include gender equality ideas in lesson content, teaching methods, or classroom discussions. On top of that, most school curricula are designed by experts under government control, so making changes can be difficult. However, if curriculum development includes people from different backgrounds and encourages open participation, girls and women—especially those from underrepresented groups—can have a voice in how education reflects their needs.

To make education fair for all genders, we need to pay close attention to the following areas:

What’s Taught (Curriculum Content)

Lessons should meet the needs of girls, especially those from poor or disadvantaged communities. For example, literacy programs should help build their confidence and give them the tools to improve their own lives.

How Students Learn (Teaching Methods)

It’s not enough to just check whether textbooks show boys and girls equally. Students don’t always react to images in simple ways. Instead, they need chances to think deeply about what gender means and how it’s presented in their learning materials.

Language Used in Teaching

Many children from rural or minority backgrounds are taught in languages they don’t use at home. Girls, in particular, may have less exposure to the “main” or official languages, making learning harder for them. Teaching in a familiar language helps everyone, especially girls, to better understand and take part in lessons.

Testing and Assessments

Standard exams are not the only way to measure student progress. Continuous assessments, classroom participation, and encouragement—like giving recognition or small rewards—can help girls feel more confident and included in school activities.

Training Teachers

To teach in ways that promote gender equality, teachers need proper training. This includes both theory and practical tools that show them how to apply gender-fair teaching methods in the classroom.

What Needs to Change

Curricula and teaching methods can sometimes pass on outdated beliefs about gender. Social, political, and economic factors often affect whether boys and girls have equal chances to learn different subjects. Teachers play a huge role in challenging these patterns. Their awareness and teaching style can make classrooms more equal.

To move toward gender-fair education, we need stronger policies, better materials, and ongoing teacher support. Here’s what governments and others can do:

• Involve Everyone: Curriculum decisions should include input from women and girls from all backgrounds—especially those affected by language barriers, traditions, or environmental problems.
• Set Clear Standards: Governments should agree on and enforce rules that ensure both quality and equality in education.
• Protect Students: Strong laws should be in place to stop sexual harassment and abuse in schools. These laws need clear procedures for reporting and must be shared widely.
• Train Teachers on Gender Issues: Gender equality topics should be a key part of teacher training—before they start teaching and throughout their careers, whether through workshops, college programs, or university courses.
• Strengthen Support Systems: Education inspectors and gender specialists should be trained to help schools promote gender equality effectively.
• Plan and Budget with Gender in Mind: Education officials should be trained to consider gender equality in school planning and budgeting. Extra support and training should be offered where needed.