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How can the Australian and ASEAN education systems foster greater gender equality in society more broadly into the future?
In what way do you believe youth could contribute to this?
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People should change their minds first, especially parents. Here in Vietnam, a lot of parents refuse to let their daughters to higher education and get married soon. They suppose that girls should not get higher position in life, if they get, they hardly get married. Marriage here is important for the Easterners where they believe family is so crucial. A perception of "girls should not learn technology or engineering should be eliminated too"
The issue on gender inequality does not only reside within the four corners of the classrooms. Most often than not, its root causes can be traced back on the cultural, societal and political level.
For instance, some cultures may have more superior-inferior power relations on the aspects of gender. We also have to consider the possibility that the prevailing gender discrimination is also highly evident in the societal and political level. In this sense, a region that is more patriarchal and conservative than a region who has elected officials coming from a more diverse gender background are more likely to have discriminating views on gender perception.
The way we can counter gender discrimination and foster gender equality within the learning environments of our young learners is to establish a well-rounded and a more optimistic view on gender differences and diversity in the household level. It should be the parents' responsibility to educate their children with regards gender diversity. Once the child gets to be more open-minded with sensitive gender-based issues, he/she can now be equipped to immerse in any learning environment with a more optimistic, and holistic approach to gender differences.
As a teacher myself, teachers must be very active in and aware of the issues of gender equality. Today, teachers do not only teach in front of the classroom but are also facilitators that support the learning environment. I agree with Victoria's comment above that teachers and schools must ensure that safe and comfortable spaces are given to students. It is significant for teachers to build a respectful community altogether with students since we are in a multicultural community. The ability to understand others or what we call 'empathy' is a key to successfully learn about diversity.
One thing that I found significant in fostering gender equality in education is providing a safe and comfortable learning environment to students. In this way, students may actively participate in different learning fields without being too concerned about meeting the expectations set before the gender they’re associated with. Also, the youth will not be limited in showcasing their strengths as an individual.