Understanding the causes of gender disparities in STEM-related TVET
English
International organizations
Information is gathered from other international organizations that promote skills development and the transition from education and training to work. The Interagency Group on Technical and Vocational Education and Training (IAG-TVET) was established in 2009 to share research findings, coordinate joint research endeavours, and improve collaboration among organizations working at the international and national levels.
Access to training
Access for all to good quality education, vocational training and workplace learning is a fundamental principle of social cohesion and economic growth. Some groups of people may require targeted attention if they are to benefit from education, training and employment opportunities.
This is particularly the case for disadvantaged youth, lower skilled workers, people with disabilities, and people in rural communities. The attractiveness of vocational education and training is enhanced when combined with entrepreneurship training and when public policies encourage utilization of higher skills by business.
The virtual conference on Understanding the causes of gender disparities in STEM-related TVET will be moderated by Epke Vogel and Carmen Kurvers from the Centre for Innovation of Education and Training (CINOP). It is organized at the occasion of the launching of the UNESCO-UNEVOC report on ‘Boosting gender equality in science and technology. A challenge for TVET programmes and careers’.
Even as STEM subjects and skills are becoming more essential in today’s world, gender disparities are prevalent in these fields. In recent years, much has been done to help inspire girls and women to study and work in technical fields. Yet long-standing biases and gender stereotypes are steering girls and women away from STEM-related fields, which means that a large pool of potential skills that could contribute to economic development remains untapped. It can put major constraints on the individual lives of women and contribute to transmitting gender inequalities across generations.
Recognizing the gap in TVET-specific data and literature, UNESCO-UNEVOC conducted a study on ‘Boosting gender equality in science and technology. A challenge for TVET programmes and careers’ throughout 2019 and 2020. This virtual conference is organized at the occasion of the launching of this newly completed study report that reviews available evidence of the situation faced by girls and women in STEM-related TVET.
Against this background, the virtual conference aims to:
- Share findings from the UNESCO-UNEVOC study on ‘Boosting gender equality in science and technology. A challenge for TVET programmes and careers’;
- Explore the individual, parental/peer, school-level and societal influences on girls’ and women’s enrolment, learning achievement and progression to STEM-related occupations;
- Collect insights from TVET stakeholders and policymakers on the barriers for girls and women within STEM-related TVET and the change-maker role that TVET institutions and teachers can play;
- Identify areas of successful practice in increasing the participation and performance of girls and women in STEM-related TVET, and initiatives to improve the participation of women in STEM-related occupations.
The virtual conference will be in English. However, participants are encouraged speaking other languages to follow the discussions by using web-based translation services, and to contribute in their native languages.
To learn more and to register click on the link provided below: