JOAN 2022 Gender Sensitivity #

Gender Sensitivity
Joan B. Caneda, PhD, RPm, RGC, LPT

December 01, 2022
Activity - “Act like a man” “Act like a lady”
What does it mean to act like a man?

man
What words or expectation(s)comes to
your mind?
What does it mean to act like a lady?

What words or expectations do you
think of?
According to WHO sex refers to biological and physiological
characteristics that define men and women. In simpler terms, it
states the anatomy an individual is born with.
Gender according to WHO refers to the socially constructed roles, behaviors,
activities, and attributes that a given society considers appropriate for men and
women.
What is Gender Sensitivity?
Gender Sensitivity is the
process by which people are made
aware of how gender plays a role in life
through their treatment of others.
The concept of gender sensitivity is a way to reduce

the barriers caused due to discrimination and
gender bias. Creating the right kind of gender-
sensitive environment leads to mutual respect
regardless of their gender.
5 best ways to
practice gender
sensitivity
1. Learn more about gender issues
“Much discrimination is rooted in ignorance and education is essential to its
eradication…”.
Making an effort to know about gender identity, gender equality/equity, sexual
orientation, or LGBTQ+ rights is the first step towards gaining some
understanding. Education counteracts false beliefs and actions that can be
hurtful or harmful to others.
2. Keep an open mind

This means suspending your judgement as you learn and understand more about
such issues. Open-minded people look at information not only through the lens
of their own experience, beliefs or principles; they put themselves in other
people’s shoes to understand what they may be experiencing or feeling. In this
way, they develop empathy and greater respect for others who may be going
through a harder journey than they are.
3. Know the law
Human Rights law protects people against gender discrimination. The
Code prohibits discrimination or harassment based on a person’s
gender or actual or perceived gender identity. It also outlines how
employers and service providers may provide a reasonable
accommodation that does not cause undue hardship. Know more about
human rights protections by reading
Discrimination based on gender identity and The Human Rights Code.
4. Stand up against harassment of any kind
Do not tolerate any discrimination or harassment by speaking out when you see
it happen. It is never okay to hurt or belittle anyone for any reason. A big part
of being an ally is speaking out for those who might not be able to stand up for
themselves. Be inclusive and try to be a friend to everyone.
5. Be respectful
The best way to show sensitivity is to start from a genuine place of kindness
and respect. After all, we are all humans regardless of sex, gender, or sexual
orientation. Make it your policy to use respectful communication at all times.
Contribute towards building a gender-inclusive environment so that everyone
can live and work in peace and to the best of their abilities.
Homophobia/Biphobia/Lesbophobia/
Heterosexism – A bias towards, and
Transphobia – The negative attitudes
assumption of, heterosexuality.
and behaviour against or cultural and
Heterosexism is also the belief in the
social aversions toward individuals who
superiority of heterosexuality. Those that
identify or are perceived as being lesbian,
do not live or subscribe to this “norm”
gay, bisexual, transgender, Two-Spirit, or
are viewed as deviant, radicals and
queer. Harassment, bullying, violence,
threats to the very fabric of a community
discrimination, isolation are some forms
or society.
of such phobias.
Ally – A person who supports the civil and human rights

and gender equality and equity of sexual and gender
minorities. Allies proactively challenge homophobia,
biphobia, transphobia, heterosexism and other forms of
systemic and individual oppression.
HOW TO PROMOTE GENDER EQUALITY IN THE
CLASSROOM
1. Be Reflective and Be Objective
Pay attention to new trends coming up and try to give gender-neutral responses about these trends to your
students.
2. Use gender-neutral language
when referring to children E.g. instead of saying, ‘Choose a boy to go with you’ say, ‘Choose a friend to go
with you’. Similarly avoid organizing children according to gender, E.g. ‘Boys line up here and girls here.’
This only reinforces gender segregation.
3. Avoid stereotyping children
E.g. boys are noisy and loud, girls are calm and sweet or boys show less emotion and girls cry more readily.
4. Self-regulate your interaction with the children
We tend to comfort girls more and send boys on their way earlier. Encourage all children to share feelings
and emotions equally.
5. Ask all students to participate in a variety of classroom chores
6. Seat and Group Students Intentionally
Encourage boys and girls to sit together by making a seating chart.
7. Use Project Based Learning
8. Avoid asking students to speak on behalf of their gender
Ask students to speak for themselves rather than a larger group. Avoid asking questions with leading intros such
as, “How do you think most boys would feel about this story?”
a. You might rephrase the question, “How did you feel about the representation of men in this story?”
b. Let both boys and girls weigh in about how gender is portrayed in a given text or work.
9. Choose course materials by both men and women

10. Avoid separating supplies or materials by gender
Mix costumes and art supplies for younger students rather than dividing them into sections for boys and girls.
This will enable students to express themselves creatively without anxiety about adhering to traditional gender
roles.
11. Be a role model
Children learn by imitation. Behave appropriately with other teachers and students and be coherent with
your discourse. Make your own behaviour a role model for others to follow.
12. Ask children to draw their idea
Of a fire-fighter, police officer and nurse. Then invite a female fire-fighter and police officer, and a male
nurse into the classroom. Invite them to talk about their jobs and unpack the children’s drawings and
expectations about the visitors. Always use non-gender specific terms when referring to occupations.
13. Woman visibility
Invite women as guest lecturers who can speak about their career and experience to set an example for
students.
14. Videotape your class to examine your own teaching methods
Review to see if you call on students of both genders, listen as intently to girls as you do to boys, and assess
what types of questions you ask to students of each gender.
15. Feedback from Colleagues and Students
Get feedback from colleagues on any differences that they might notice and you don’t. Try getting feedback
from students through an anonymous comment box.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gCr4jOsweo
References
https://www.slideshare.net/Geetha-TG/gender-sensitivity
https://in.pearson.com/blogs/2020/03/how-to-promote-
gender-equality-in-the-classroom.html
https://livelearn.ca/article/rights-and-freedoms/5-best-ways-
to-practice-gender-sensitivity/
“People need to learn that their actions
do affect other people. So be careful
what you say and do, its not always just
about you.”
f o r g!
e n i n
li st

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Gender Sensitivity

Joan B. Caneda, PhD, RPm, RGC, LPT

What does it mean to act like a man?

What does it mean to act like a lady?

The concept of gender sensitivity is a way to reduce

2. Keep an open mind

Ally – A person who supports the civil and human rights

9. Choose course materials by both men and women

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