Unveiling Progress: KIX Applied Project’s GESI Findings Presented Virtually

On September 12, 2024, an online meeting highlighted the progress of the three-year project, “Promoting Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) in Schools, Building on What Children Value and Aspire to Do and Be.” Hosted by the National KIX Coordinator, this virtual session marked the Second Phase of the Stakeholder Meeting series.

The gathering, held via Zoom, was attended by key stakeholders, including District Education Officers (DEOs) from Samtse Dzongkhag, UNFPA, representatives from the Ministry of Education and Skills Development (MoESD), RENEW, the Center for Curriculum Development of MoESD, and the National KIX Coordinator.

During the meeting, Dr Kinley Seday, the project lead, and Karma Gyaphel presented the findings of the Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI) situational analysis. Their presentation provided valuable insights into the current state of GESI in educational settings across the three participating countries, highlighting key challenges and potential areas for improvement. The findings revealed that both male and female students prioritize ‘education’, ‘love and care’, and ‘respect’, but showed lower awareness in ‘mental well-being’ and ‘freedom from economic exploitation’. Further, while male students emphasized physical infrastructure, females focused on social and emotional factors, indicating a need for a balanced approach that addresses both areas. Teachers saw ‘participation’ and ‘education’ as well-integrated in the curriculum, but recognized gaps in awareness related to ‘mental well-being’ and ‘nutritional well-being’, underscoring the need for enhanced focus in these areas.

This session underscored the importance of stakeholder engagement in advancing the project’s goals and emphasized the collaborative efforts necessary to enhance gender equality and social inclusion within educational practices. These efforts are an integral part of the ongoing three-year project.