Why gender justice matters in Education

This year as we commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, the global movement for gender justice and women’s rights continues to face both progress and challenges. Gender justice describes a world where people of all genders enjoy all their human rights, have autonomy over their bodies and reproductive life and live free from violence and discrimination, yet systemic barriers, deeply held gendered norms, and backlash against this vision continue to persist worldwide. It is precisely because of these challenges that we believe educators play a critical role in advocating for a fairer and more equitable world.  

Educators play a pivotal role in shaping the minds of current and future generations. Schools are not just places for learning—they are spaces where values, norms, and attitudes are cultivated. We believe that promoting gender justice  in education is essential to creating an equitable society where every student can thrive, regardless of gender.  

So, what is Gender Justice? 

At Amnesty, we understand gender justice to be about both equality and equity between women, men, LGBTQIA+, and non-binary people in all spheres of life. Gender justice is concerned with power, uses an intersectional approach and is part of a broader struggle for justice and human rights for all. By applying a gender justice lens to societal issues, marginalised communities are empowered and enabled to shape and define the decisions, policies, and structures that affect their lives and society as a whole. Gender justice seeks to address the systems that perpetuate discrimination and oppression based on gender. It seeks to create a society where everyone, regardless of gender identity, can live free from violence, exclusion, and inequity.  

Why gender justice matters in Education 

In the UK, educators face unique challenges, including tackling gender stereotypes in curriculum materials, addressing the gender pay gap in career discussions, and ensuring schools are safe spaces free from harassment or bullying. Incorporating a gender justice perspective ensures that all people of different gender, racial, and sexual orientation have equal access to schooling, harmful stereotypes are challenged, systemic inequalities are addressed, and inclusive environments where students are encouraged to be authentic are fostered. 

By embedding principles of gender justice into your teaching practice, you can inspire students to become advocates for equality in their own lives. Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to challenge harmful norms and empower young people to envision a fairer world. Whether it’s through classroom discussions, inclusive lesson planning, or celebrating milestones like International Women’s Day or Pride Month, your efforts as an educator make a lasting impact. 

Resources for Teaching Gender Justice 

To support your efforts as an educator championing human rights, here are some valuable resources to help you get started on advocating for gender justice: 

• https://www.amnesty.org.uk/education-resources-womens-rights
• https://www.amnesty.org.uk/education-resources-lgbti-rights
• https://www.amnesty.org.uk/blogs/classroom-community/rewrites-bite-size-activity
• https://www.amnesty.org.uk/education-resources-womens-rights
• https://www.diverseeducators.co.uk/gender-equality-toolkit/
• https://www.diverseeducators.co.uk/transgender-rights-toolkit/

The fight for gender justice is far from over—but it is one worth continuing with urgency and determination through collective action.