Promoting Gender Equality in the Classroom: Teachers’ Challenges and Strategies

Abstract

The study determined the challenges and strategies for promoting gender equality in tertiary education. From interviewing eight participants utilising a validated researcher-made questionnaire, the study revealed that bullying, discrimination, respect for one's gender preference, and lack of gender awareness were the challenges evident in gender equality promotion. Gender inequality exists in tertiary education. Although several instructional methods, including cooperative learning, storytelling, lecture and small group discussion, debate, and film shows, were utilised to promote gender equality, such gender inequality can still be seen in students' levels of knowledge and conduct. In this aspect, there is a need for the university to have a concrete system-wide GAD framework, which will institutionalise the level of gender, thereby mainstreaming the tri-focal functions of the university. Seminars or talks on gender-related laws may be conducted. Schools should ensure that facilities like comfort rooms and classrooms are gender-sensitive