What are educators of all genders?

Understanding the powerful effect that education has in promoting gender justice, Oxfam works to make education across the world function as a transformative tool. This requires balanced representation in education leadership and quality teachers and educators, who promote gender equality in the education system and in content, pedagogy, and practice.

Therefore, Oxfam stresses that the number of qualified educators counts in formal education, non-formal education settings, educational institutions, administration, and school leadership. The term educator includes formal schoolteachers at all levels, technical, vocational teachers, and trainings of different trades, facilitators in non-formal learning settings, supervisors, leaders, and other pedagogical roles.

Oxfam works to ensure an equal number of male and female teachers. Many girls lack female role models, feel unrepresented at their school, and need female teachers to talk to. This prevents girls from coming to school or makes them drop out early. Strategies include advocating for safe transport between home and school and providing economic incentives, housing, and safe spaces for women educators, especially to attract them to the most marginalized communities.