H o w t o u s e t h i s t o o l

H o w t o u s e
t h i s t o o l
Use the critical elements of mainstreaming gender
equality, SRHR and HIV & AIDS to establish what
activities need to be undertaken through the education
response.
Use the list you drew up to identify a strategy for
addressing the gaps identifi ed so that these issues
can become a comprehensive part of the education
response.
G e n d e r e q u a l i t y,
SRHR and AIDS
There is substantial evidence that prevention and
care programmes in general can make an important
contribution to addressing the gender imbalance that
contributes to the risk of HIV infection and to ensuring
that sexual and reproductive rights are respected.
Such programmes can make a major contribution,
among others, by (UNAIDS, 2000):
Highlighting gender stereotypes affecting men and
women.
Challenging damaging notions of masculinity which
reinforce the subordinate role of women and other
gender stereotypes.
Enhancing knowledge, self-effi cacy, self- esteem,
and developing key skills, including those that
strengthen the ability of girls and women to decide
when, where and whether sex occurs.
Encouraging both men and women to discuss and
address issues related to sex and sexuality and
other factors that enhance vulnerability such as
drug misuse.
Improving access to information, counselling and
support for girls and boys and men and women.
Advocating for a wider understanding of sexuality
and of sexual preferences, including of men who
have sex with men.
Supporting efforts to reduce violence including
sexual and gender-based violence.
In this context a gender perspective in education
involves:
Systematically examining and reviewing sociallydefi
ned gender identities and roles in classrooms,
schools, communities and the educational
system.
Determining how these gender identities and roles
may place girls or boys at a disadvantage and how
this impacts on vulnerability to HIV infection.
Designing appropriate interventions – in policy, implementation
and monitoring – to address gender
inequalities and to ensure that the SRHR of girls
and women are respected.
Mainstreaming gender equality and SRHR in
education sector responses to HIV and AIDS therefore
requires:
Efforts to attract girls and boys to school and retain
them in quality education programmes.
Policies and legislation for schools that affi rm and
protect the rights of girls and boys and that promote
safe and healthy learning environments and
encourage respect for SRHR.
Curricula and learning outcomes that empower
girls and boys including the information, skills and
services on HIV & AIDS and SRHR.
Strong and effective links with services across sectors
to ensure that those in need and at risk get the
support they need.