On 1 April, a training session “Gender Audit in Educational Institutions” took place in Kyiv, supported by the Polaris Programme. The event brought together 20 participants, including school principals, deputy principals, a teaching assistant, educators, and psychologists from six regions of Ukraine.
Why is a Gender Audit Important?
A gender audit is an essential tool for ensuring equal opportunities in any institution, including the education sector. It helps assess how well educational institutions integrate equality principles and suggests ways to improve them.
Training Format and Key Elements
The training consisted of several thematic blocks, where participants explored the methodology of gender audits, its key stages, and practical tools.
Following the registration and opening session, Yuliia Savelieva, a gender expert from the Polaris Programme, highlighted the significance of gender audits in educational institutions. Educators gained insights into audit mechanisms and tools for analysing internal documentation, web resources, school environments, and organisational culture.
“Promoting equal opportunities in education is not just about implementing separate initiatives but about building a sustainable system where everyone has equal access to development. A gender audit is an effective way to evaluate and improve such a system,” stated Oleh Fasolia, Team Leader of the “Education on Local and Regional Level” component of the Polaris Programme.
Participants also explored data collection methods, including interviews, participatory workshops, and online surveys, which help gain a deeper understanding of the needs of both teaching staff and students.
Practical Impact of the Training
Throughout the day, educators had the opportunity to not only gain theoretical knowledge but also put it into practice. In the second half of the training, discussions focused on the role of gender audit coordinators in educational institutions and prospects for collaboration between schools and the Polaris Programme.
“This training has given us not only new knowledge but also a clear understanding of how to implement it in our schools. Now we can assess our best practices, identify areas for improvement, and establish benchmarks for further action towards creating a gender-equitable environment,” — shared her impressions one of the participants.
Implementing Change: Next Steps and Collaboration
At the end of the event, participants received practical recommendations on conducting gender audits in their schools and agreed on further cooperation with the Polaris Programme.
Yuliia Savelieva, gender expert of the Polaris Programme, stressed the importance of integrating a gender-sensitive approach into the educational process:
“Modern education must take into account the diverse needs and experiences of both those who receive educational services and those who provide them. A gender-sensitive approach in schools fosters a safe and inclusive environment for all staff and ensures that all children can realise their potential free from stereotypes and limitations. Trainings like this help the educational community understand gender-related challenges and respond effectively.”
Collaboration with the Polaris Programme offers new opportunities for educational institutions to develop, implement gender-sensitive management approaches, and create inclusive learning environments. Initiatives like this contribute to enhancing local governance efficiency in the education sector and fostering equal opportunities for all.
