Women play an essential role in society and are entitled to the same rights as men. Gender equality is crucial for societal development. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has made significant strides across various sectors, and schools have become key spaces that foster positive change, promoting gender equality and contributing to the broader formation of a progressive and inclusive society.

Here are the major roles that schools can play in promoting gender equality in the UAE. 

Role of School in Promoting Gender Equality

Following are the roles played by schools in promoting gender equality. 

Culturally and Gender Sensitive Curriculum

Looking at the various strategies used by UAE schools, one of the common and effective strategies is the integration of a gender-sensitive curriculum. Schools are now integrating relevant content within subjects and failing to illustrate both male and female intercourse in historical, literary, and social studies. 

In this way, schools ensure that students are shown both males and females in various abilities and capacities and thus transform the stereotypical view of gender roles in society.

Promoting Inclusion

To help eliminate such negative facets of gender stereotyping, UAE schools are striving to encourage boys and girls to engage in equal measures across all learning topics and extra-curricular activities. This includes; encouraging female students to undertake STEM courses and male students to undertake arts and humanities. 

With regard to various gender restrictions in different avenues, schools are encouraging the equality of the sexes and supporting the full development of talents without discrimination.

Advocacy on Women’s Authority

The promotion of gender equity and more specifically, the ability to lead female students to leadership positions in UAE schools. Leadership programs, mentored positions and programs aimed at female students are created to empower the younger generation of females. 

Schools also ensure that they showcase the success stories of female icons/influential women both within the country and in the international markets to female students. Such measures contribute to increasing the number of women who are sure in themselves and ready to perform as leaders in their organizations in the future.

Teacher Training and Gender Awareness

Gender is taught in schools and the attitudes towards this issue depend on educators who work with students. Currently, in the UAE, schools have introduced the training and professional development of faculties that are involved in either gender awareness or gender sensitivity training. 

It supports the teachers’ self-awakening processes, the adoption of such methodologies as gender-sensitive teaching and learning practices and the promotion of gender-sensitive learning environments in classrooms. It is through training teachers so that they can handle the aspect of gender issues that schools are able to properly address the issue.

Promoting Critical Thinking

Education, specifically the critical thinking aspect, as well as advocacy for gender-related discussions is another way of promoting gender equality. UAE schools are allowing the students to freely discuss and challenge the culture of gender, and gender roles. 

Discussions, debates as well and projects in relation to the chosen topic of gender equality give the students more insight into the same issues and vice versa be able to champion change in their societies.

Through different gender equitable initiatives that are being put in place by schools in the UAE, they are aiding in the improvement of the status of women and the development of an ideal society. UAE schools are therefore ensuring that the seeds for future gender parity are sown through incorporating gender-sensitive curricula and activities, girls’ emulation, interventions, and safety. Parents and members of society are included in the quest to make schools safe places for all children to learn and to protect individuals.