On 4 - 5 August, the Council of Europe organised a two-day online training for 63 Armenian preschool directors, educators, methodologists and speech therapists to strengthen their capacity to apply gender-responsive approaches in preschool education and better recognise and respond to situations affecting children’s safety and well-being.

The training introduced a newly developed professional development package on “Gender-Responsive Education in Preschool Educational Institutions”, developed in cooperation with the National Centre for Educational Development and Innovation of Armenia. The package includes a training module, practical tools, case studies, assessment instruments and online learning materials.

The results of the pre- and post-training assessments showed a clear improvement in participants’ knowledge and practical understanding. Across six areas, the average score increased from 68% before the training to 95.8% afterwards. The results also demonstrate a shift from general awareness of gender equality towards a more practical ability to identify bias and apply gender-responsive approaches in everyday preschool practice.

The next phase will focus on continued practice-based learning and mentorship, including opportunities for participants to apply the tools in their own preschool settings. This will be followed by a wider event featuring panel discussions and experience-sharing, bringing together preschool professionals and relevant stakeholders to reflect on lessons learned and promote further application of gender-responsive approaches.

The trainings were organised as part of the Council of Europe “Ending violence against women and promoting gender equality in Armenia” Project Phase II.