Do we all have the same rights.... of course we do! Have we achieved gender equity.... of course not!
What is our role in gender equity? What are our biases? What do we model? How can we support this?
These are some of the critical reflection questions we are working on this term.
Why is this important? So that children everywhere grow up knowing that they can do anything they want to, regardless of their gender. To assist children to make choices and be presented with and take opportunities that reflect their skills and aspirations rather than meet a stereotypical expectation.
Because our philosophy says: We believe in welcoming all children and families to St. George’s on an equal basis and making access and participation in our program a positive experience for all.
Because the Early Childhood Australia Code of Ethics says: We will ensure that children are not discriminated against on the basis of gender, sexuality, age, ability, economic status, family structure, lifestyle, ethnicity, religion, language, culture, or national origin.
Because the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child: says:
2. No discrimination
All children have all these rights, no matter who they are, where they live, what language they speak, what their religion is, what they think, what they look like, if they are a boy or girl, if they have a disability, if they are rich or poor, and no matter who their parents or families are or what their parents or families believe or do. No child should be treated unfairly for any reason.
Because point number 4 of the child safe standards says: In a child safe organisation:
"Equity is upheld and diverse needs are taken into account"
When looking into gender equality the Victorian Government said:
"Gender equality prevents violence against women and girls. It’s essential for economic prosperity. Societies that value women and men as equal are safer and healthier. Gender equality is a human right. Everyone benefits from gender equality".
https://www.vic.gov.au/gender-equality-what-it-and-why-do-we-need-it
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