Gender equity

Many learning resources and experiences are unnecessarily gendered, enforcing harmful gender stereotypes, and excluding gender diverse individuals. To combat the harm this does, we need to create learning resources and experiences that remove gender bias and stereotypes and are inclusive of all gender expressions. Read through the resources below to learn how.

A gender-neutral learning environment is not necessarily one that is gender-free. Rather, it’s an environment in which teachers and learners avoid gender stereotyping and aim to ensure that all learners are appreciated, respected and treated equally. To create a gender-neutral, consider:

• using gender-neutral language to describe groups of students (instead of ‘Now, guys’ consider expressions like, ‘Now, everybody’)
• using gender-neutral language to describe STEM careers and roles
• providing balanced gender representations of STEM careers and roles
• actively identifying stereotypes and biases and creating teachable moments by challenging their accuracy.

You can find a list of common gendered words and expressions and their gender-neutral counterparts at this link: Using gender-neutral language in your classroom

It is important that resources we create reflect the diversity of our community. The following resources provide images of women to help combat gender stereotyping in your resources and learning experiences.