Advancing Gender Equality in Lifelong Learning: Insights from the Gender Equality Task Force Kick-off Meeting

The Gender Equality Task Force (GE TF), which includes representatives from EARLLAL, EAEA, and EfVET, outlined its ongoing initiatives to promote gender equality in lifelong learning. Alicia Gaban introduced EARLLAL’s network and its commitment to the cause, while Marina Sakač Hadžić presented EAEA’s paper on Capacity-Building in Adult Education for Gender Equality (2024). The paper explores the intersection of adult education and gender equality, drawing inspiration from the Gender Equality Task Force’s work. She addressed the challenges posed by digital spaces and the emergence of “manosphere” that creates unsafe environments for women and gender non-conforming individuals. The background paper outlines six key recommendations for capacity-building including the development of gender-sensitive curricula and the creation of inclusive learning environments.

After consultation with the Task Force members, the following priorities were identified: 

• Strengthening gender equality in digital spaces.
• Developing capacity-building initiatives in ALE.
• Addressing gender disparities in TVET and AI.
• Tackling violence in educational spaces, including cyberbullying.
• Empowering migrant women through education and advocacy.