*Over
the next few weeks, we are going to be carrying out some work with students in
an attempt to tackle attitudes towards gender equality. We have a number
of students, both male and female, from across a number of year groups, who
have expressed concern about some of the language used towards them or about
them, that is gender specific.
One
of the first strategies that we are planning is to deliver assemblies to each
Key Stage, exploring how the use of language can impact upon people,
particularly when discriminatory gendered wording is used.
As
you know, we are always keen to involve parents in our work with students. One
of the ideas we have in structuring these assemblies is to use actual
real-life quotations and examples and that is where we are seeking some
assistance from parents. What
we would like, if possible, is examples of actual words or phrases that have
been said to our parents, where gender has been a key defining aspect of the
content. Words or phrases may have been delivered in the workplace or in
social gatherings. They do not necessarily need to be negative but should
encourage students to consider how their use of sexist terminology leaves a
lasting impact. *
They want some examples, but I’m not quite sure what- sexism that I have experienced? Are they confusing sex and gender again? If they just want to address sexism then I’m all for it.