GENDERATE Project: Paving the Way for Gender Equality in Vocational Education and Training
In a world striving for equal opportunities, gender inequality continues to persist, particularly in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sectors across Europe. The GENDERATE project, a 24-month Erasmus+ initiative, is dedicated to becoming a catalyst for change by directly addressing these persistent imbalances. Despite some advancements in gender equality, TVET sectors are still witnessing lower female representation compared to general education programs.
In response to this challenge, GENDERATE seeks to redefine and revitalize TVET by encouraging gender mainstreaming and dismantling traditional stereotypes. This initiative aligns seamlessly with the EU Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025 and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly focusing on gender equality (Goal 5) and promoting decent work (Goal 8).
What distinguishes GENDERATE is its innovative approach, which incorporates mentoring programs led by female educators and employs creative media to challenge stereotypes and address gender inequality in TVET. Gender mainstreaming will be systematically promoted through the identification of gender-specific needs and gaps within institutions, the elaboration of a strategic plan to guide organizational transformation, and the training of leadership-level TVET staff to implement this strategic vision effectively.
A key focus of the project is the empowerment of female students to pursue technical professions through comprehensive mentoring programs. GENDERATE emphasizes the importance of full inclusivity within TVET schools, aiming not merely for numerical increases in female representation but for genuine gender equality in the sector. The mentoring programs, facilitated by experienced female educators, are designed to foster deeper personal connections, thus providing not only technical skills but holistic support and guidance.
As the project progresses, GENDERATE is pleased to announce that the partners are now ready to begin the piloting phase of the female mentoring program in their respective TVET schools. Following the successful completion of two webinars, which engaged four teachers from each partner school as female mentors, the groundwork is in place for these mentors to guide female mentees.
The project aspires to create not only immediate change but also institutional transformations that will yield lasting impacts on gender equality within the TVET sector. To achieve this, GENDERATE employs a suite of creative outreach initiatives, including podcasts and animated series that share real-life stories of female students and professionals who are challenging gender norms. Additionally, job fairs, open career days, and digital awareness campaigns are integral parts of a holistic strategy aimed at enhancing the social image of TVET and attracting a more diverse audience.
GENDERATE calls upon all stakeholders—educators, students, parents, enterprises, and policymakers—to collaborate in reshaping the narrative surrounding TVET. By promoting inclusivity, challenging stereotypes, and advocating for gender equality, GENDERATE envisions a future where technical education is genuinely accessible to all, regardless of gender.
The consortium consists of the following partners:
- FORAVE - Associação para a Educação Profissional do Vale do Ave, Portugal
- IDEC S.A., Greece
- POLITEKNIKA IKASTEGIA TXORIERRI S.COOP. Spain
- Özel Elazığ Marmara Mesleki ve Teknik Anadolu Lisesi, Turkey
- A & A Emphasys Interactive Solutions Ltd, Cyprus
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