European Trade Union Committee for Education

On the occasion of the launch of the eAtlas on Gender Inequality in Education, the UNESCO Liaison Office in Brussels organised on 18 March 2016 a debate at the European Parliament to reaffirm UNESCO’s commitment in fostering gender equality in and through education.

Responding to the questions of journalist Alessio Pisanó, Ms. Maria Arena, Member of the European Parliament, Group of the Socialists and Democrats, and Ms. Susan Flocken, Coordinator at the European Trade Union Committee for Education Internal Policy coordination, shared ideas on how to encourage gender equality in and through education in Europe. Ms. Arena and Ms. Flocken underlined the importance to address stereotypes in the early education system.

Ms. Arena also highlighted the importance of paternity leave saying that today only 2,7 % of men are taking parental leave in Europe. Without a good sharing between family and work we cannot fight for gender equality.

Ms. Flocken talked about the importance to teach children that there are no male or female jobs and that we need to make sure, that women will not get a job or reach a position only because they are women, but because of their qualification.

Gender Equality is one of UNESCO’s priority for the period 2014-2021. UNESCO, with its multidisciplinary mandate spanning education, culture, communication and the sciences, promotes gender equality in a holistic manner.

You can find the debate online at:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=elNJuCVZED0