The future is equal: success factors for gender equality in vocational education and training

Globally, people's gender continues to be a source of discrimination that prevents them from participating equally in public and political life. This also applies to participation in vocational education and training (VET). In many countries, women especially are not able to make self-determined decisions about their vocational training. Worldwide, gender stereotypes and poverty are stopping people from learning the occupation of their choice. Without occupational skills, women in particular remain financially dependent and are excluded from economic and societal spaces. German...  [+] Show more

Globally, people's gender continues to be a source of discrimination that prevents them from participating equally in public and political life. This also applies to participation in vocational education and training (VET). In many countries, women especially are not able to make self-determined decisions about their vocational training. Worldwide, gender stereotypes and poverty are stopping people from learning the occupation of their choice. Without occupational skills, women in particular remain financially dependent and are excluded from economic and societal spaces. German development cooperation advocates equal opportunities, also for the most marginalised. How can gender equality be achieved in VET? This study investigates this question by analysing a large number of VET projects implemented under German and international development cooperation. It also provides an overview of the German and international frameworks for gender equality and sets out analytical factors that either prevent or foster equality.

The key outcome of this study consists of 15 success factors for gender equality in VET, 11 of which are graphically showcased through project examples. Amongst other things, the study puts forward proposals to heighten awareness of the rights of all people, disseminate knowledge of gender-specific obstacles, and make vocational schools and traineeships safe, attractive and equitable places for young women and men. With its many recommendations for practical action, the study fuels support for equality. It addresses VET specialists, especially implementors and decision-makers engaged in development cooperation. The study comes to the conclusion that gender equality must become an even stronger quality attribute and eligibility criterion in development cooperation.

Edited excerpts from publication.