Objective

The “Growing Equal” project set itself the task of tackling gender-based stereotypes among students in primary education (grades 3-4). Its main objective is to raise teachers’ awareness and sensitivity to unequal treatment and its negative consequences.

Problem

In Bulgaria, there is a lack of courses and resources that would inform teachers about their role in building a mindset for equality between men and women. Teachers are often unaware of their subconscious biases that influence their communication with students and create inequality in the classroom.

Activities

The project developed training and self-assessment tools. In addition, training was provided to over 300 teachers and school administrations on how to address the problem of inequality in the classroom.

Who is behind the initiative

The project is implemented by the Workshop for Civic Initiatives Foundation and the Education Union at the Podkrepa Confederation of Trade Unions and is funded by the Rights, Equality and Citizenship Programme (2014-2020) of the European Union.

Results

Thanks to the project, 345 teachers from 15 cities in the country were trained on how to promote gender equality. The initiative inspired over 400 other teachers to use the open online resources developed within the project.

The results of the project impact assessment show behavioral changes among the trained teachers and a better awareness of their role in building an environment that supports equality between girls and boys

Learn more on the Initiative website: https://growingupequal.frgi.bg/