Training Program in Ethiopia Encourages Gender Equality – and It Works!

A gender-responsive pedagogy and assessment training project in Ethiopia is helping teachers and staff adapt to the needs of women and girls in education – and a school in Woretta is already flourishing from the project’s positive impacts.

Tarakegn Degefu, school director of Woretta secondary school, opened his eyes after the training – implemented by the UNESCO Liaison Office – when he took notice of a civics teacher named Tigist Baye bringing her baby with her to class. Determined to help teachers like Tigist better juggle between work and their children, Tarekegn started a gender club as well as a day care service at the school. Ten teachers with children aged 0 to 4 registered soon after the opening.

“I was so happy when I heard about the day care service. I can now bring my daughter here and I do not have to worry much since she will not be so far away from me”, comments one of the teachers, Truaynet.

Tarekegn is also working on a more inclusive learning environment to help improve girls’ performance in school – all complementing the UNESCO project’s ultimate mission in making sure all girls in Ethiopia receive a proper and full education cycle.