EDITOR: The Gender Committee of the St Vincent and the Grenadines Teachers’ Union (SVGTU) commends the Ministry of Education, National Reconciliation and Ecclesiastical Affairs for celebrating yet another Child Month.

We believe that the theme, “Gender Socialization: Changing Perceptions; Embracing Differences”, is timely and relevant, in light of the changing times in which we live. While we talk about ‘changing perceptions’, we realize that the education system is not set up to embrace certain differences: for instance, are male pupils who might be disposed to becoming tailors, routinely exposed to some form of needlework in the early years?

The Gender Committee is encouraging the authorities to create the environment for both males and females to be able to access training in subject areas usually regarded as being gender specific. So, if needlework is available at any level within the system, it should be for all students; likewise, if woodwork or technical drawing is offered, it should be accessible across the board.

“If, as the slogan suggests, equity is the plan, and boys and girls must work hand in hand, we must move more purposefully towards eliminating gender bias in all areas of public life.”

SVGTU