Gender Equality Task Force kicks off 2025 initiatives
07/02/2025
The Gender Equality Task Force for Lifelong Learning has officially kicked off its 2025 initiatives with a dynamic meeting on 7 February that brought together 17 representatives from policy advisors, directors of institutions working in the field, heads of international projects and project officers, and representatives from public authorities. These leading organisations reaffirmed their commitment to fostering gender-balanced participation in lifelong learning and ensuring equal access to education and employment opportunities for all.
Since its establishment in 2023, the Gender Equality Task Force, an initiative promoted by EfVET, EARLALL, and EAEA, has rapidly expanded, now comprising more than 60 active members.
Throughout 2024, the task force spearheaded various initiatives aimed at addressing gender imbalances in education and employment. Key highlights include:
- Webinar on Gender Equality in Employment: Organized by EARLALL, this session focused on gender equality in underrepresented fields, sharing best practices and insights.
- Awareness Campaigns: Launched three major campaigns highlighting International Women and Girls in Science Day, International Women’s Day, and Literacy Day, addressing critical gender-related issues.
- Pride Month Initiatives: Offered resources and showcased member-led activities promoting inclusivity and gender equality.
- EfVET Annual Conference Workshop: Sylvia Liuty led a session on gender equality in vocational education and training (VET), focusing on attracting Generation Z students and promoting gender balance in schools and workplaces.
- Well-Being & Safe Spaces in-person event: A dedicated initiative emphasizing the importance of creating inclusive and supportive learning environments.
- EARLALL Study Visits in Barcelona: Explored best practices for inclusive education and advancing gender equality in Vocational Education and Training schools and through a mobility exchange in the context of the Pact for Skills – Regional Skills Partnership for Lifelong Learning Mobility.
The Gender Equality Task Force has outlined several priority areas for the year ahead, which are particularly relevant to participants:
- Advancing Gender Equality in the Digital Age
- Building Capacity in Adult Education for Gender Equality
- Gender Equality in TVET and AI
- Monitoring the European Gender Equality Strategy Revision
- International Women’s Day (8 March): Showcasing Good Practices
- Online Marketplace: Exploring Erasmus+ Opportunities for Gender Equality Initiatives
- Survey/Session on Women’s Equal Access to Education and Work
- Webinar on Violence in Educational Spaces (e.g., bullying, cyberbullying, gender-based violence at work)
- Empowering Migrant Women
- Bringing Learners to the Stage – Allowing Them to Share Their Own Experiences and Projects
- Advocacy Initiatives for Gender Equality
During the meeting, Marina Sakac Hadzic from the EAEA presented their background paper, Capacity Building in Adult Education for Gender Equality, which explores how adult education can address gender inequalities at local and regional levels. The paper provides six key recommendations and showcases best practices for capacity-building initiatives.
Following these discussions, the promoter group will consolidate participant inputs and develop a comprehensive work plan for 2025. Updates on specific initiatives and events will be shared with the network soon.
Get Involved
The Gender Equality Task Force for Lifelong Learning invites all interested stakeholders to contribute ideas, share best practices, and actively participate in shaping the future of gender-balanced lifelong learning. Together, we can drive meaningful change and create inclusive learning environments for all. Contact us at gendertforce [@] gmail.com
