Gender equality for education and working life

New operating models are needed for education and working life in Finland. Educational and economic sectors, occupations and job-related tasks are currently strongly segregated by gender. In addition to gender segregation, there are also other types of segregation, such as that based on ethnicity – and this is also a problem.

It is not always easy to choose differently

Segregation seen in society may restrict young people’s views on which educational and occupational choices are suitable for them. The operating cultures and practices of educational institutions and workplaces must also be changed for equality and non-discrimination to become a reality for all.

Bringing about change is a job for everyone

In efforts to bring about change, key roles are not only played by young people themselves but also by teachers, employers, co-workers, parents, politicians – in fact by every one of us. Adults can affect young people’s study paths and future careers by providing them with information, encouragement and equal opportunities regardless of the young person’s gender or characteristics such as ethnicity.

Everyone must have the right to develop and to receive education and training that matches their personal dispositions, capabilities and wishes. Mitigation of segregation also promotes the matching of skills and jobs. Equality in working life creates wellbeing that is reflected in individuals, families and labour market productivity alike.

SEGLI is a new type of equality project

Intersectional approach

The project does not merely address gender segregation. Instead, it also takes into account segregation based on factors such as ethnicity or social class. This approach is called intersectionality.

Focusing on organisations’ ways of doing things

SEGLI differs from previous projects in that the focus is on changing organisations’ operating models. There is plenty of work to be done as it may be difficult to identify these models of thinking and doing things.

The SEGLI project is developing new ways of doing things that promote the mitigation of segregation at educational institutions in Helsinki, Kemi, Kajaani and Suomussalmi. For example, in Kajaani comprehensive schools receive support in gender equality and diversity planning. In Helsinki, students organise workshops and debates on segregation, while in Kemi new types of school parents’ evenings are piloted.

Join the debate!

The SEGLI project invites everyone to join the debate to mitigate segregation. Our society needs broad and diverse discussion about the adverse effects of segregation and the ways in which segregation can be mitigated. It is crucial to have a variety of perspectives.

Please join us to create a mutual understanding and set objectives online at kaikkienduuni.fi and on social media under #kaikkienduuni.

What is the project doing?

1. COOPERATION WITH EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS AND EMPLOYMENT ACTORS

We are developing ways of doing things that promote the mitigation of segregation in educational institutions and employment services in order to reduce gender and intersectional segregation. Our partner institutions are comprehensive schools, general upper secondary schools and vocational institutions.

2. RESEARCH

Our research focuses on the causes of segregation. We investigate how people end up on the various education and training paths and in different occupations. There is a special focus on the role played by the practices of educational institutions, that is, how the practices and rhetoric of educational institutions relating to occupations affect students’ views of their future.

3. COMMUNICATIONS

We are stimulating debate about the adverse effects of segregation, the benefits of its mitigation and the tools available for mitigation action among education sector and labour market actors as well as among pupils, students and their parents. The project also seeks to raise the mitigation of segregation as a topic for more general societal discussion.

4. SPECIALIST NETWORK

The network brings together specialists in the fields of education and working life into a shared discussion process to deepen the participants’ knowledge of segregation and work towards a mutual understanding and mindset to take action for the mitigation of segregation. The network has 31 members representing broad expertise across society's sectors and geographical areas.