HASTENING ACTION FOR GENDER EQUALITY: THE FEMALE EDUCATOR’S PERSPECTIVE

Female educators have profound transformative power that not only impacts individuals but also communities and nations as a whole. They are part of the workforce that leads to economic growth and poverty eradication. Female educators guide communities on how to make healthier choices, improve family wellbeing, and are better equipped to advocate for women’s rights and challenge societal norms, hence contributing to gender equality and social progress.

They further draw strategies and approaches that help students progress through learning content at a faster pace. This is often by addressing learning gaps and providing opportunities while still ensuring they master grade-level materials intended to get individuals challenged appropriately and successfully. This birthed the saying, “Education is not the filling of a pail but the lighting of a fire” (Yeats, W. B.).

As mentors, female educators help their clients to stay motivated, engaged, and on track to achieve the intended goals. They serve as powerful role models demonstrating that women can excel in various fields. This could easily justify Karl Menninger’s saying, “What the teacher is, is more important than what she teaches” (Menninger, K.).

At school, girls are inspired to enroll, stay in school, and pursue higher education. C. S. Lewis said it best by stating that “The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles, but to irrigate deserts” (Lewis, C. S.). These educators excel at advocating and creating supportive and inclusive learning environments. They bring unique perspectives and experiences to the classroom where the learners freely express themselves, ask questions, and seek help.

Promotion of gender equality in education begins with the teacher. The learners are shown that both genders can be successful and can positively contribute to society, hence breaking gender stereotypes and promoting respect for diversity in society.

In as much as there has been increased advocacy and support from government and civil society, female educators still lack awareness and capacity building on gender-related issues. Many educated women are still subjected to domestic violence and assault both at home and in offices. Empowerment cannot be achieved through education alone but also through skill development and capacity building. Decision-making power is still elusive in as much as there are many women with jobs today.

There should be deliberate effort to come up with mentorship programs within educational institutions and workplaces that can provide support and encouragement to both teachers and learners. Programmes to address gender biases and stereotypes within the educational curricular and workplace policies can generate solutions for both genders. Promotion of equal opportunities for leadership, scholarships, and financial support are key in helping female educators achieve their potential.

Education emerges as a solution presenting hope for a sustainable future. It must be seen as a useful tool to catalyze the growth of more resilient communities.

As female educators, we continue advocating for inclusive learning environments, challenge gender stereotypes, and promote equal opportunities for all learners regardless of their gender.

NABIRYE TEDDY

NATIONAL SECRETARY FOR WOMEN AFFAIRS

UGANDA NATIONAL TEACHER’S UNION