Teacher education and training on gender, masculinities and non-sexist education in Chile

This report focuses on the inclusion of gender, masculinities and non-sexist education (GEMENS) in education in Chile. In the last decade, governments have passed progressive legislation in this area while teacher training activities carried out by the Chilean government, some universities and training centres have increased. However, teachers are facing challenges as they have had to update their knowledge of the new regulations, find ways to incorporate them into their pedagogical practices, and respond to changing ideas about gender among their own students. Based on qualitative and quantitative techniques, the study found:

• All groups of teachers reported a general lack of training received on GEMENS topics.
• Teachers who received GEMENS training thought the training was helpful. They reported feeling more confident and that it had helped them incorporate GEMENS topics in their teaching more effectively.
• GEMENS training has enabled teachers to become aware of their role as promoters of a cultural transformation towards a more equitable society that respects human rights in GEMENS. It has helped them drive deeper changes in their schools, for example in annual planning or in the school’s ethos and practices.
• Factors supporting inclusion of GEMENS included: the positive attitudes of students, the existence of laws and public policies that prevent discrimination, and some other teachers’ adoption GEMENS topics.
• Challenges included: lack of trained teachers in GEMENS; traditionalism in school culture; resistance from parents and guardians and lack of time of teaching staff.

The results of the study suggests the need for a national public policy that comprehensively addresses teacher training on GEMENS topics. This would have a great impact on both teachers and students and would contribute to strengthening the role of Chilean educational institutions in promoting a fairer, more inclusive and equitable society in terms of GEMENS.