Classrooms of Change: Why Education is Essential to Achieve Gender Justice

Abstract

Education has historically been viewed as a revolutionary factor in the formation of social institutions, still its role in achieving gender justice remains complicated. Education empowers humans by encouraging critical thinking and challenging gender stereotypes, but structural problems often make inequality worse. By examining how the education system, policies, social and economic structures either promote or hinder gender equality, this paper looks at the double effects of education on gender justice. The paper shows how educational systems that were created to produce a workforce for industrial economies do not promote gender inclusion, equal opportunities, or financial independence. Gender inequality in professional and economic aspects is also exaggerated by establishing stereotypes in textbooks and education. Despite these problems, education has the capacity to destroy established hierarchies, through inclusive curriculum, gender-sensitive policies, and financial awareness campaigns. This paper examines educational models around the world and presents evidence that, in order to close the gender gap in education and employment, changes should prioritize promoting equity, innovation, and adaptability. Policies, social and cultural influences, and their effects on educational systems and accessibility of education are analysed using a qualitative method. The research show that while education is important in achieving equality between men and women, its effectiveness depends on systemic improvements that eliminate rooted historical biases and provide individuals with the resources they need for social and economic growth. This paper emphasizes the importance of reforming education so that it can be a tool for genuine empowerment rather than a means of continuing historical inconsistencies.

Introduction

Education is widely regarded as a driver of social development, yet it has historically reinforced gender inequality rather than alleviating it. Traditional education systems, designed to create disciplined workers and obedient citizens, often perpetuated rigid social roles and limited opportunities for women and marginalized genders. Textbooks, curricula, teaching methods, and institutional practices continue to maintain stereotypes, discourage independent thought, and restrict career choices, particularly in STEM and leadership roles. Structural barriers such as gender bias, lack of gender-sensitive policies, early marriage, safety concerns, and limited access to resources exacerbate the gender gap globally.

Historical Context:

• Ancient and medieval education systems were largely male-dominated, emphasizing obedience and hierarchy while excluding women.

• Colonial and industrial-era schooling reinforced gendered roles, restricting women to domestic or caregiving paths.

• The 20th and 21st centuries saw gradual progress, with feminist movements and activists like Malala Yousafzai advocating for girls’ education, yet disparities persist, especially in higher education and STEM.

Current Barriers:

• Gender gaps remain significant at secondary and higher education levels, with women underrepresented in STEM and leadership positions.

• Curriculum and teaching practices often favor male students, underrepresent female role models, and enforce stereotypical roles.

• Institutional policies and infrastructure gaps (e.g., inadequate sanitation, harassment prevention) limit girls’ educational access.

Progress and Opportunities:

• Gender-sensitive teaching methods, scholarship programs, mentorships, and legal protections are improving inclusion.

• Contemporary education is at a turning point, presenting opportunities to challenge biases, promote diversity, and enable equal access.

Legal Frameworks:

• International instruments like the UDHR, CEDAW, Beijing Platform, and SDGs set global standards for gender equality in education.

• National policies, including India’s Right to Education, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Title IX in the U.S., and Europe’s gender equality strategy, aim to reduce disparities, though enforcement challenges remain.

Conclusion

The fight for gender equality in education has been an exhausting one, with both little wins and losses. Despite the creation of new laws, rules, and institutions, the same disparities still exist; they are just hidden in different forms and pass off as modern advancement. In reality, we have not changed education; we have only made it accessible. While we have allowed girls to attend classes, we have not changed the teachings that still glorify the same hierarchies of power that once kept them out. Education still has evidence of its patriarchal past even in its current form. If a girl is taught to read, what good is it if she doesn\'t ask why she is still rarely seen in a executive levels? If we have granted a kid the right to pursue her education but have not been able to shield her from the gender-based violence that forces her to leave school, what progress have we made? If a little boy who wants to be a dancer is told he is weak because his passion does not fit with what society expects of him, what change have we really experienced?

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2025 Md Nasiur Rahaman Khan. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.