#BreakTheBias Starting From Early Years
It’s been more than 100 years. Communities and activists have been striving for a gender-equal world; where men and women are both valued and celebrated.
We had witnessed impressive progressions toward equality. Today, we have women leaders, astronauts, and scientists, which was impossible a hundred years ago. However, many women still experience discrimination, stereotypes, or bias in the workplace and society.
Eradicating this problem needs multiple-layer strategies. It must focus not only on adults but also on young children, its roots. As this year’s theme for International Women’s Day is about #breakthebias, we will discuss three practices in the preschools:
Promote gender equality through environments
Environments are the third teacher. As children are novice observers, educators should be aware of what the classroom settings might communicate to children. For example, instead of displaying only a policeman figure, we can add a policewoman. It indicates that every gender can be police.
Careful with the Word Choices
The influence we have as educators may be unintentional. We might not realize that our words, songs, or nursery rhymes reinforce gender stereotypes. It is crucial to analyze them before teaching them to children.
Demonstrate Respect
Being respectful is the key to a better society. It builds trust, safety, and well-being. Teachers can show that respect is about accepting somebody for who they are. Even when they are different, or you disagree with them.
Imagine if every child learns in a bias-free environment; what might happen in the next ten years?
Happy International Women’s Day 2022
