Creating a more feminist classroom is a task that teachers, lecturers must pick up to ensure that the next generation learns and inculcates equal rights. As a woman, I am always trying to find ways to create spaces that empower women in all aspects of their lives. One way is through education and one way to do this is by creating a feminist classroom.
Teaching children about equality should start at an early age. The more we teach them, the easier it will be for their future selves when they are faced with gender-related challenges in life or work.
The onus lies heavily upon teachers themselves–you’re tasked to ensure that every kid feels appreciated and respected.
Here are tips to help you create a feminist classroom.
- Treat every child with respect: Everyone wants to be treated with the utmost respect, including children. Always speak to kids with respect, and teach them to treat their peers with this same level of respect. That way, they understand the importance of kindness and respect at a young age and it’ll be very helpful for their future interactions.
- Amplify the importance of representation: Representation is very important and no one understands that more than marginalized people. As a teacher, attempt to go the extra mile to ensure that every child in your class feels seen, valued, and represented. Children naturally feel calmer, and relaxed when they feel represented and can relate to an environment.
- Give room for expression: One of the best gifts you can give to young people is room for them to express themselves. Our world is very obsessed with boxing people and labeling them with their expectations. That’s exactly what we don’t want the next generation to mirror. Allow each child to have their unique expression and let them be who they want to be. Create a safe space for students to talk about their experiences.
- Be a leader by example: Nobody can call you out on your hypocrisy as young kids do and the last thing you want is kids catching you in such situations. Always lead by example, practice what you preach and focus on being a great role model. Also encourage students to ask questions by asking them what they think, not just telling them what you know.
- Dissolve any form of supremacy: If we must create a gender-equal world, then we must create one devoid of harmful power dynamics. The truth is this is harder in reality, the world has been established based on these systems and it is very difficult to uproot them. However, the least we can do is try to level the balance at a very early stage in their lives.
Remember, the goal is not to convert your kids to feminists, they are probably even too young to grasp the concept. The goal is to make each one of them feel seen, heard, and respected. They must grow up knowing that their voice matters and that their opinions are valued.
READ ALSO: The Future of Feminism: Elevating All Women
