with the participation of the Council of Europe
Network of National Focal Points on Gender Equality
Helsinki, 9-10 October 2014
organised by the Council of Europe
in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Culture of Finland

Venue: Helsinki Congress Paasitorni
Paasivuorenkatu 5 A00530 Helsinki

Education is a basic human right recognised by international law, notably by the European Convention on Human Rights. Through compulsory education, children and young people, whatever their gender, are prepared and empowered to fully participate in society. The education system sets the basis upon which countries preserve their heritage and contribute to their overall development and prosperity.

A change in gender relations, women’s empowerment and abolishing negative gender, sexist and sexual stereotypes are key to achieving gender equality and benefit entire societies. By shaping gender representations, attitudes and behaviours, education is an essential factor to combat stereotypes and bring about social and cultural changes. The promotion of gender equality in education is a prerequisite to the achievement of de facto equality between women and men in all spheres of life in society.

Against this background, the Gender Equality Commission has defined education as one of the key priorities and this issue has been taken on board by the Council of Europe in its Strategy on Gender Equality a decision which was echoed by the National Focal Points at their 1st annual meeting (Amsterdam, 5 July 2013) at which they decided that this, their 2nd annual conference, should focus on education.

The Conference will seek to:

Raise awareness among government officials and school professionals on persisting inequalities in education and how it affects girls and boys and their future;

Present the findings of the first monitoring report of the Committee of Ministers’ Recommendation on gender mainstreaming in education;

Exchange good practices to promote an education free from gender stereotypes and identify ways to implement the measures included in the Committee of Ministers’ Recommendation on gender mainstreaming in education;

Facilitate partnerships and networks among stakeholders including government officials, school management professionals, teachers, trainers and training institutions, parents, and civil society

Support member states in implementing existing standards, including the Committee of Ministers’ Recommendation on gender mainstreaming in education.