UNESCO Gender Lens

Measuring the Child-Friendliness of Schools

The participants of the gender training workshop for Gender Focal Points in the Asia and Pacific Region in November 2002 (Bangkok) developed this lens based on their own working experience.

·  Are community leaders and parents equally supportive of boys and girls attending this school?

·  Do community leaders and parents value female and male teachers equally?

·  Does the principal treat male and female teachers the same?

·  Is the school close enough for all school-age boys and girls to walk safely to it?

·  Do girls and boys feel safe from bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment in this school?

·  Does each boy and each girl have essential schoolbooks and materials?

·  Do teachers encourage girls and boys to speak and contribute equally? Do teachers value the views of boys and girls equally?

·  If the school has more than one teacher, are there female teachers who can be role models for girls and male teachers who can be role models for boys?

·  Does the curriculum reflect the lives of boys and girls?

·  Does the class go into the community? Or, are community women and men with special knowledge or skills brought into the class as resources?

·  Do boys and girls feel confident in making subject choices that may not be traditionally male or female subjects?

·  Do girls participate and achieve equally with boys in maths and sciences, in literature and history?

·  Does the curriculum promote peace and equality for boys and girls regardless of their race, class, caste, religious or ethnic background?

·  Do teacher and learner materials portray girls and boys of varying socio-economic backgrounds with equal prominence, potential and respect?

·  Do extra curricular activities equally attract participation of boys and girls?

·  Do teachers have relevant training and support to girls and boys on reproductive health?

·  Are there activities organized by teachers or children that will create a gender-friendly culture of peace in the school? (sports, culture events etc.)

·  Will girls who get pregnant and boys or girls who are affected by HIV/AIDS be supported by the system?

·  Are there well-maintained latrines for girls and boys?

*Each question opens the door for exploring ‘why’ there are gender differences.

Last updated 17 April 2003