Beyond Stereotypes: Promoting Gender Equality in the Workplace Through VET

The Regional Challenge Fund (RCF) recently hosted a webinar focused on creating gender-inclusive vocational education and training (VET) programs in the Western Balkans. The event aimed to address the persistent gender gap in certain sectors and to encourage greater participation of women and girls in traditionally male-dominated fields, bringing together around 130 participants from the business community, vocational training institutes (VTIs), INGOs, and donors.

As the previous time, Ms. Jelena Manić Radoičić, RCF Deputy Team Leader, opened the webinar by introducing the topic and the panellists.

“Promoting gender and inclusivity in vocational education is not just a question of parity, it is a powerful driver of workforce enrichment, economic growth and innovation”, said Manić Radoičić, emphasising the big task ahead.

“As we navigate the rapidly evolving labour market driven by technological advancements, digitisation and the need for sustainable development, we need to make sure that all genders have equal opportunities in education, training and employment.”

The webinar delved into the factors hindering gender parity in VET, including societal stereotypes, limited career guidance, and a lack of supportive environments.

Ms. Sarah Elson Rogers, a Senior International Expert on TVET, presented data highlighting the disparities between men and women in education, training, and employment in the Western Balkans. She emphasised the need to understand the root causes of these disparities to develop effective solutions.

“Education and training systems exist to encourage and allow all young people to thrive. Where gender differences in education and training pathways are observed, we should be asking why they are there, for what purpose and how they can be overcome”, Elson Rogers said.

Both demand-side and supply-side obstacles to gender equality in VET were discussed. Demand-side factors include societal expectations and stereotypes, while supply-side factors involve limited access to quality education and training, as well as discriminatory practices in the workplace.

As suggested by the panellists, some strategies to promote gender inclusivity in VET include the following:

• Challenging Stereotypes: Encouraging young people to explore diverse career paths and breaking down gender stereotypes.
• Improving Career Guidance: Providing comprehensive career guidance that highlights the opportunities available to women and girls in various sectors.
• Creating Supportive Learning Environments: Fostering inclusive learning environments and gender-neutral language that respects diversity and empowers women and underrepresented groups.
• Strengthening Employer Partnerships: Collaborating with employers to create workspaces that are welcoming to women and offer equal opportunities.