What to answer children when they ask why in the shopping center or on the street two people of the same sex hold hands or kiss? This doubt is increasingly common in homes and classrooms. Fortunately, there are more and more educational institutions that develop content that includes gender perspectives, addressing stereotypes and promoting respect for all identities. Comprehensive sexuality education teaches about sexual and gender diversity, helping students understand and respect differences.
Laws have been created, through public policies, that promote gender equality and protect the rights of everyone, including students, who from an early age feel the need not to label themselves or are part of the LGBTIQ+ movements.. But, although great efforts have been made in Colombia, the system still faces significant challenges. According to data from the Ministry of National Education, there is an increase in the implementation of education programs with a gender focus – with around 30 percent of educational institutions participating in initiatives related to this perspective – however, a registration system is lacking. unified with an accurate evaluation of its effectiveness and scope.
From the higher education side, homework is also being done. Although universities leave gender issues free, there is an effort to include programs and workshops that positively impact inclusion and equity. At the Catholic University, for example, the course ‘Policies with a gender perspective in HEIs’ was created; the Externado de Colombia University develops concrete action plansestablishes monitoring systems and maintains transparent communication about progress, and, finally, the National University opened the School of Gender Studies with which it seeks to destigmatize sexual roles, patriarchy, sexual division of labor, sexual identity, gender technologies, performativity, intersectionality, ethics of care, heteronormativity and heterosexism, among others.
pioneer countries
Canada and Spain have implemented avant-garde models that set the roadmap for where the academy should go to be in line with trends. In the case of the North American country, Each province establishes policies that foster inclusive and non-discriminatory school environments. Furthermore, teacher training in gender approaches helps to recognize and overcome biases within the classroom.
Spain, for its part, has made significant progress in terms of public policies and educational programs to promote gender equality and combat gender violence. Efforts around gender-sensitive education in these countries show a path towards equality and inclusion with different levels of progress and success. The strategies implemented – from legislative measures to concrete educational programs – are indicative of positive change.
