On 29-30 June 2026, the fourth meeting of the Council of Europe’s Gender Equality in Education Scorecard (GESC) Working Group was held in Strasbourg and online. The session brought together experts, members of the Steering Committee for Education (CDEDU) and the Gender Equality Commission (GEC), as well as those responsible for the project from the secretariats of the Education Department and the Gender Equality Division of the Council of Europe, reflecting the broad engagement of both the education and gender equality fields.
Building on the progress of previous meetings, the session focused on deepening the methodological approach and consolidating some of the Scorecard’s indicators, notably regarding frameworks for cooperation, monitoring and evaluation in teacher training, and career guidance. Participants also discussed challenges related to balancing methodological simplicity and accuracy, as well as the integration of intersectionality.
Aligned with the ambitions of the New Democratic Pact for Europe, the GESC initiative contributes to its three pillars—learning and practicing, protecting, and innovating for democratic societies—by promoting transformative change for gender equality in and through education. The group’s work also reflects the Council of Europe Gender Equality Strategy 2024-2029, aiming to take into account the reality and diversity of education within Member States, as well as the Council of Europe Education Strategy "Learners First" for the period 2024-2030, which provides a long-term overarching vision so that all learners can fully exercise their rights as active citizens in democratic European societies.
The outcomes of the meeting, including consolidated indicators and accompanying background document will be submitted for review at the next Steering Committee for Education (CDEDU) meeting from 23 to 25 September 2026. The policy Scorecard will be piloted on a voluntary basis in 2027, offering Member States a practical tool for self-evaluation and progress towards measurable gender equality.
For further information, please contact the Council of Europe Education Department or Gender Equality Division.
