Brussels, 09/09/2015 (Agence Europe) - Gender equality measures must apply at all levels of the education system, stress MEPs in a resolution voted on Wednesday 9 September during a plenary session.
The resolution by Liliana Rodrigues (S&D, Portugal) was approved by 408 votes to 236, with 40 abstentions. Rodrigues explained: “My report aims to ensure the equality and empowerment of girls through education… create a school culture of gender equality, critically oversee the curricula and educational materials, ensure gender equality with regard to personal and professional decisions and improve the percentage of women in positions of responsibility and in senior positions”.
To encourage more women to take up science, technology, engineering and mathematics, MEPs call for equal access measures and the use of information and communication technologies from pre-school education onwards.
The MEPs reiterate their call to combat gender stereotypes, which can affect self-image and the decisions made by girls and call for positive female role models for schools, universities and science faculties. MEPs call on EU member states to encourage girls and boys to take an equal interest in all subjects beyond gendered stereotypes. In order to create a school culture of gender equality, teachers are requested to take part in training on gender equality and the content of curricula and educational materials should be critically reviewed.
Age-appropriate sex and relationship education should be compulsory in all primary and secondary school curricula, to teach girls and boys about relationships based on consent, respect and reciprocity, MEPs suggest. (Isabelle Lamberty)