#EveryLittleActionCounts Week 48: Challenge Gendered Assumptions
Gender assumptions often shape expectations, behaviours, and opportunities in academic spaces, reinforcing stereotypes and limiting potential.
Challenging these assumptions is critical for creating a more inclusive academic environment where everyone is recognized. By actively questioning and disrupting gendered expectations, we can foster a culture of fairness, inclusion, and opportunities for all.
“Gender equality is more than a goal in itself. It is a precondition for meeting the challenge of reducing poverty, promoting sustainable development and building good governance.” — Kofi Annan
Academics can support the challenging of gender assumption by:
Actively questioning and interrupting gendered language
Challenge gendered language, stereotypes, and assumptions during discussions, ensuring that all voices are valued equally.
Promote and support diverse leadership
Advocate diverse leadership in teaching and research, ensuring that everyone, regardless of gender has access equal to opportunities.
Foster gender-neutral perspectives
Avoid the focus on traditional gender roles by adopting and integrating gender-neutral perspectives.
We would be very happy to hear about your strategies for challenging gender assumptions in academia.
Anne-Wil Harzing & Christa Sathish