UNESCO Sheroes tackle gender equality in the Caribbean

The Sheroes Academy was conducted within the framework of the Caribbean Sheroes Initiative, a sub-regional Initiative that aims to produce knowledge and strengthen capacities to advance gender equality and social justice. This Initiative was led by the UNESCO Office for the Caribbean and the Institute for Gender and Development Studies Regional Coordinating Office (IGDS-RCO) at the University of the West Indies. 

The Academy curriculum was designed to engage participants through diverse methods such as interactive group sessions, educational videos, and the development of their advocacy ideas. In the three sessions, the young participants discussed concepts about advocacy, gender equality, and gender transformative approaches (GTAs).

This year’s Transforming MENtalities Edition had a focus on best practices to better engage men and boys to advance gender equality in the Caribbean.

"What stood out for me was the plan including men and boys in conversation spaces like this. This is something that has been said a lot, but I think now we are moving to more praxis. Men understanding that men can also be allies and be feminists and push messages that are necessary, dismantling the patriarchy." — Sheroes 2022 Participant.

The academy was guided by the UNESCO Training Manual on Gender Equality, Advocacy and Development and focused on the recently launched Module 6: Transforming MENtalities. The sessions were envisioned as a safe space to exchange, criticise, speak, network, connect, share best practices, and engage for critical reflection. The aim was to discuss and learn about Gender Transforming Approaches, how to involve men in the fight for gender equality, and to equip the participants with tools to create their own advocacy campaigns.

"As one of UNESCO’s global priorities, UNESCO is committed to removing barriers that hinder women's personal and professional development and to ensure that everyone has fair, inclusive and equal access to opportunities, resources and tools that enable them to reach their full potential." — Anna Paolini, Director and Representative, UNESCO Office for the Caribbean.

Through her opening remarks, the Director and Representative of the UNESCO Office for the Caribbean addressed the power structures in the region and emphasised the role of youth to become the next generation of gender advocates.

In the first session, the focus was on Advocacy for Gender Equality and Gender Justice.  The participants learned about gender concepts: for example the difference between gender and sex, gender equality, gender equity and gender justice from Dr. Natasha Mortley (IGDS-RCO). Furthermore, she outlined the advocacy framework of the Sustainable Development Goals and SDG 5 for gender equality.

Prof. Paula Morgan, immediate former University Director IGDS-RCO, presented  the meaning and practice of advocacy. A participant highlighted the importance of change: “You cannot grow from being in your comfort zone”. The participants reflected on the question “What is your advocacy about?” and what inspires their activism.

"In my definition, advocacy is speaking up for those who can’t speak up for themselves. And an effort to highlight injustice and ensure that it is corrected. This is important to me, because I believe in justice, and I remember a time in my life where I couldn’t speak up for myself and I benefited from an advocate.” — Sheroes Participant 2022.

Over the three days, several youth activists and former Sheroes participants shared their inspiring experiences of how to move from Sheroes to advancing their advocacy work.

In the second session, the spotlight was placed on advocacy and Gender Transformative Approaches (GTAs). Dr. Dalea Bean (IGDS-RCO) explained that GTAs refer to a range of strategies which critically examine and challenge gender norms. They include programs and interventions that create opportunities for individuals to actively challenge gender norms, promote positions of social and political influence for women in communities, and address power inequities between persons of different genders. The concept of Caribbean Masculinities and how certain stereotypes and society are shaping the idea of masculinity was also discussed. The group focused on methods to break these stereotypes and how to engage men and boys as allies for gender equality and gender justice.

Paula Istúriz Cavero, UNESCO Programme Specialist for Social and Human Sciences, presented the UNESCO Project Planner, an online tool aimed to help youth formulate and plan projects to promote gender equality in their community, organisation, or country, and advance social change. The free tool is accessible at https://en.unesco.org/youth/toptips.

At the end of the Academy, the young advocates presented their own advocacy project plans to promote gender equality in the Caribbean sub-region. Project ideas ranged from Social Media Campaigns, community work and events addressing sexual harassment, Gender-based Violence (GBV) and mental health issues. Some of the plans will be featured through UNESCO campaigns on 16 Days of Activism. The Sheroes Academy 2022 demonstrated the power and motivation of young people to achieve change and fight for gender equality in the Caribbean.

"If you look across the world, it is young people that have been at the forefront of change, because young people, we challenge things, we champion things." — Sheroes 2022 Participant.

The Sheroes Academy workshop returns for one more session on December 19, 2022 from 4-6 pm (GMT -5) or 5-7 pm (GMT -4) depending on your location.

👉 Register here

👉 Password to access: 481849