Teacher unionists use momentum to push for further gender equity in Africa
The Africa Women in Education Network (AWEN) held its annual review meeting from 19-20 December 2011 in Accra, Ghana. The meeting, involving members of the AWEN Steering Committee and representatives from the partner unions, UEN/Norway and Lärarförbundet/Sweden, was opened by EI Vice President Irene Adanusa, advising to build on the momentum initiated at the 1st EI World Women’s Conference held in January 2011 in Bangkok, Thailand.
In her opening remarks, Ms. Adanusa recalled the network started off as Programme for Women in Education in 1997, to later transform itself into AWEN. She stated “quality outcomes have led to improved use of the AWEN structure.”
Ms. Adanusa went on to highlight the need for teachers’ professional development in early childhood education. Women active in this sector must be trained beyond being mere attendants to children.
UEN and Lärarförbundet representatives were happy to see that the network was growing, particularly since the last EI World Congress held in July 2011 in Cape Town, South Africa, where all networks were brought together.
They informed participants that even if the partner unions have women as top leaders, they still need to promote women work within their organisations.
They also observed that recent events in North Africa, with women being at the heart of revolutions and showing a lot of courage, should inspire the network. They welcomed the fact that three women won the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize.
Solidarity messages from the South-East Asia and Latin America networks, which had just held their reviews, were further conveyed to participants.
The two-day meeting also elaborated and adopted work guidelines for 2012. Suggested activities include review of the gender training manual, training, awareness raising, advocacy and ICT training. Other activities will be developed around improving communication and reaching out to young teachers.
EI President, Susan Hopgood, declared: “Educators worldwide will always be at the forefront of changes in their communities, starting from the classroom. We wish to encourage our African affiliates to continue their outstanding work in favour of gender equity in education, union and society.”
