Beyond political housework: gender equity in the post-school environment: a discussion paper

In this paper the author critically examines efforts to achieve post-school education gender equity and offers some directions for equity in the future. The analysis incorporates a study of the global context of gender equity issues. An overview of current gender equity practices in Australia is provided and the author highlights opportunities for deconstruction of accepted notions regarding approaches to gender equity work, to allow recognition of equity as an integrated system characteristic as opposed to an extra obligation for institutions. Universities, vocational education and...  [+] Show more

In this paper the author critically examines efforts to achieve post-school education gender equity and offers some directions for equity in the future. The analysis incorporates a study of the global context of gender equity issues. An overview of current gender equity practices in Australia is provided and the author highlights opportunities for deconstruction of accepted notions regarding approaches to gender equity work, to allow recognition of equity as an integrated system characteristic as opposed to an extra obligation for institutions. Universities, vocational education and training (VET) institutions and adult and community education (ACE) institutions are included in the analysis. The author suggests that post-school education systems have much to learn from the compulsory education sector, and that gender equity reform will be strengthened through the development of cross-sectoral relationships, networks and collaborative initiatives. A cohesive and focused approach to gender equity practices is required. The need for further research and investigation into the shared understanding of equity processes is acknowledged.