The final module of the course focuses on strategies to sustain gender equity efforts in education over the long term. It highlights the role of advocacy, policy-making, and community engagement in institutionalizing change and ensuring its impact persists. Participants will learn how to engage policymakers, build coalitions, and foster a culture of equity in schools and communities. Practical tools and success stories from around the world will provide actionable insights to support the journey toward lasting gender equity.
By the end of this module, participants will:
- Understand the importance of advocacy in driving systemic change for gender equity in education.
- Learn strategies to engage policymakers and influence education policies.
- Explore approaches to foster community involvement and build grassroots support.
- Develop a plan for sustaining gender equity initiatives beyond the classroom.
Part 1
Self reflection questions:
Defining advocacy's impact:
How do you define the role of advocacy in creating sustainable change for gender equity in science education, and which examples from successful initiatives (e.g., Girls Who Code, Million Women Mentors) resonate most with you?
(Consider how advocacy bridges policy and practice, as described by Epstein (2011) and Fullan (2007).)
Personal contribution:
In what ways can you, as an educator, parent, or community member, leverage advocacy to challenge existing gender biases in STEM fields? What specific strategies—such as effective messaging, targeted outreach, or coalition-building—would you adopt to mobilize support in your community?
(Reflect on strategies outlined by Kabeer (2005) regarding the importance of clear messaging and targeted advocacy.)
Overcoming barriers:
What potential challenges or resistance might you encounter in your advocacy efforts for gender equity in science education, and how can you develop plans to overcome these obstacles while ensuring that your initiatives remain inclusive and impactful?
(Consider the obstacles discussed in advocacy research and think about methods for sustaining momentum and engaging stakeholders effectively.)
References
Epstein, J. L. (2011). School, family, and community partnerships: Preparing educators and improving schools (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Routledge.
Fullan, M. (2007). The new meaning of educational change. New York, NY: Teachers College Press.
Kabeer, N. (2005). Gender equality and women's empowerment: A critical analysis of the third millennium development goal 1. Gender & Development, 13(1), 13–24. https://doi.org/10.1080/13552070512331332273
Part 2.
PDF Presentation text:
Case studies of successful advocacy initiatives in gender equity
Below are eight examples of successful advocacy initiatives in gender equity in science education. Each case study highlights different approaches—ranging from mentorship and community engagement to policy advocacy—that have contributed to inspiring and supporting girls in STEM.
1. Girls Who Code
Description: Girls Who Code is a national nonprofit dedicated to closing the gender gap in technology. Through immersive summer programs, after-school clubs, and college initiatives, the organization equips girls with essential coding skills and exposes them to the world of computer science.
Website: https://girlswhocode.com
2. Million Women Mentors
Description: Million Women Mentors connects professional women in STEM with girls and young women to provide guidance, support, and real-world insights. By facilitating mentorship opportunities, the initiative empowers female students to pursue STEM careers and overcome industry challenges.
Website: https://www.millionwomentors.org
3. STEMettes
Description: Based in the United Kingdom, STEMettes is a social enterprise that organizes panel discussions, workshops, and networking events to inspire young women to pursue careers in STEM. Their activities highlight diverse role models and create pathways for future success.
Website: https://stemettes.org
4. American Association of University Women (AAUW)
Description: AAUW advocates for gender equity through research, education, and policy initiatives. Their efforts in STEM include addressing the gender gap by promoting equitable policies, funding research on gender biases, and offering scholarships and professional development to support women’s advancement in science and technology.
Website: https://www.aauw.org
5. Techbridge Girls
Description: Techbridge Girls focuses onempowering girls from underserved communities by providing hands-on STEM learning experiences. Their project-based programs, mentorship opportunities, and interactive workshops help spark interest in science and build confidence in young women.
Website: https://www.techbridgegirls.org
6. Women in Engineering ProActive Network (WEPAN)
Description: WEPAN is an advocacy organization that supports women in engineering and technology through research, networking, and strategic partnerships. Its initiatives aim to create a supportive ecosystem that promotes gender equity in STEM education and careers.
Website: https://wepan.org
7. WISE Campaign
Description: The WISE Campaign in the UK works to inspire, engage, and support women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It offers research, resources, and networking opportunities designed to break down barriers and create a more inclusive STEM environment.
Website: https://www.wisecampaign.org.uk
8. She++
Description: Founded at Stanford University, She++ is a student-led organization that advocates for increased representation of women in technology and STEM fields. Through conferences, workshops, and mentorship programs, She++ empowers young women to envision and pursue successful STEM careers.
Website: https://sheplusplus.org
These initiatives serve as powerful examples of how advocacy can drive systemic change, inspire future generations, and promote a more inclusive environment in science education.
Part 3. Policy-Making for Gender Equity in Education
Self-Reflection Questions
Prioritizing Policy Areas:
Reflecting on the key policy areas discussed—curriculum reforms, teacher training, funding allocation, and anti-discrimination policies—which area do you believe should be prioritized in your local context to advance gender equity in science education, and why?
Building Relationships with Policymakers:
Consider the strategies for engaging policymakers and stakeholders highlighted in the video. What approaches could you personally adopt to build strong relationships with government officials and community leaders, and how might these relationships help drive change in gender equity initiatives?
Utilizing Advocacy Tools:
The video outlines several tools for drafting effective policy proposals, such as policy briefs, stakeholder mapping, and data analytics. How do you think these tools can empower you to create persuasive advocacy campaigns, and what steps will you take to integrate these methods into your own advocacy efforts?
Part 4. Fostering community involvement in gender equity in education
Self-reflection questons:
Local to Systemic Change:
Reflect on the power of grassroots movements discussed in the video. How can local community initiatives and stakeholder engagement be scaled up to influence broader, systemic policy changes in gender equity in education? What examples from the video inspire you to take action?
Adapting Engagement Strategies:
Considering the strategies for engaging parents, local leaders, and NGOs—such as community workshops, social media campaigns, and forming dedicated parent-teacher associations—which strategy resonates with you the most and why? How might you adapt or implement this approach in your own community to promote gender equity in science education?
Part 5. Ensuring sustainability of equity efforts
Self-reflection questions:
Integrating Sustainability Strategies:
After viewing the video, reflect on how you can incorporate the three pillars of sustainability—institutionalizing gender equity through policy, building capacity among educators and community members, and measuring long-term outcomes—into your own educational or community practice. What specific actions can you take to ensure these strategies are effectively implemented in your context?
Overcoming challenges for continuous improvement:
Consider the potential obstacles you might face when striving for sustained equity efforts, such as resistance to policy changes or limited resources for training. How might you address these challenges, and what steps can you take to adapt and improve your strategies based on ongoing evaluation and feedback?
Possible interactive group activities
- Advocacy plan design: Participants create an advocacy campaign, including objectives, target audiences, and key messages.
- Policy proposal workshop: Participants draft a policy proposal addressing a specific barrier to gender equity in their educational context.
- Community engagement simulation: Learners design a community event or initiative to promote gender equity in education.
Additional resources in English and Partners’ languages
Participants are encouraged to explore:
Advocacy tools:
- Plan International – Advocacy and Child Rights:
https://www.plan-international.org/what-we-do/child-rights-advocacy - Girls Not Brides – Advocacy Initiatives:
https://www.girlsnotbrides.org/what-we-do/advocacy/
Policy-making resources:
- UNESCO – Education Policy and Planning:
https://en.unesco.org/themes/education-policy - Global Partnership for Education (GPE) – Our Work and Resources:
https://www.globalpartnership.org/our-work
Community engagement guides:
- Save the Children – Education and Community Engagement Resources:
https://www.savethechildren.org/us/what-we-do/education - CARE International – Community Development and Engagement:
https://www.care-international.org/what-we-do/community-development
These resources provide practical tools, case studies, and guidance on building advocacy campaigns, engaging communities, and influencing policy for gender equity in education,