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Gender Equality

Dr. Susan Harwood and Dr. Jacquie Hutchinson

Many countries are signing up to international conventions on gender equality and social inclusion to demonstrate their commitment to equal access to education, health, and social protection. In this course, you will learn what is meant by gender equality, why it is important, and how legal frameworks are used to develop inclusive policies and action plans in both developed and developing countries.

Throughout this course, you will learn about the theory and practice of gender equality, explore the intersection of gender with other identity-related characteristics (e.g., race, ability), and build on your learning to create and maintain a compendium of terms and definitions relevant to gender inequality, localized to your work, community, and country.

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What's inside

Syllabus

Gender and the Law

There are many laws, legal frameworks, and international frameworks that describe gender equality and provide guidelines for identifying and removing discrimination. In this module, we'll ask the question: What does it mean to different individuals, communities, and nations to learn that gender inequality is unlawful?

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Examines gender equality theory and practice, which is foundational knowledge for social advocacy

Analyzes the parameters of lawful equality, establishing learning baseline

Taught by the internationally recognized Dr. Jacquie Hutchinson and Dr. Susan Harwood, who bring their expertise to the course

Designed for policymakers and decision-makers working to unravel gender inequality

Emphasizes the evolving discourse of intersectionality, addressing the complexities of identity

Implications of this course extend beyond policy-making, offering personal growth and development

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Reviews summary

Insightful foundation in gender equality

Learners say this course provides a comprehensive and insightful foundation in gender equality, with many finding the module on intersectionality particularly eye-opening. It is seen as highly relevant for professionals in human rights, policy, and global development, offering a robust framework for understanding complex issues. While generally praised for its well-structured syllabus and knowledgeable instructor, some students note that parts can feel theoretical, expressing a desire for more practical case studies. The course is considered a solid introduction for beginners, though those with prior knowledge might find some content basic or the delivery occasionally dry.

Highly relevant for professional application.

"Highly recommend for anyone interested in social justice or policy work."

"I found the content highly relevant to my professional field in human rights."

"This course was truly impactful! I would highly recommend it for anyone interested in global development."

Provides deep insights, especially on intersectionality.

"This course was incredibly insightful and well-structured. The module on intersectionality was particularly eye-opening, connecting gender with other identities..."

"Excellent course! It deepened my understanding of gender equality significantly. The discussions around legal frameworks were particularly strong..."

"I learned a lot about the nuances of gender equality, especially the historical and legal aspects. The module on intersectionality was fantastic."

Delivery can be dry; assignments may lack clarity.

"The content is important, but the course delivery felt a bit dry at times."

"The 'Lexicon' module was useful for understanding terminology, but the assignments felt a bit vague, making it hard to know if I was on the right track."

"I found the course not very engaging overall, and some parts needed more clarity in their instructions."

Suitable for beginners, potentially basic for advanced learners.

"Good for absolute beginners, maybe too basic if you already have some background."

"While the topic is crucial, I felt this course didn't live up to expectations. It skimmed over many important issues without going deep enough."

"I found some of the readings quite dense, leading me to think the course might be too basic if you have prior experience."

Some desire more practical case studies and examples.

"Some parts felt a bit theoretical and I wished for more practical case studies, especially on how to implement policies in real-world scenarios."

"The 'theory and practice' module lacked concrete examples, and I found myself looking for external resources to supplement my learning."

"While a valuable foundation, I hoped for more hands-on application in real-world scenarios rather than just theory."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Gender Equality with these activities:

Find a mentor who can support your gender equality journey

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Connect with an experienced professional who can provide guidance and support on your gender equality journey.

Browse courses on Gender Equality

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Identify the qualities you are looking for in a mentor.
Network with people in your field.
Ask for recommendations.
Interview potential mentors.
Choose a mentor who is a good fit for you.

Practice identifying gender discrimination

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Complete a series of exercises that will help you identify gender discrimination in different contexts.

Browse courses on Gender Discrimination

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Read the provided case studies.
Identify the different types of gender discrimination that are present in each case study.
Analyze the impact of gender discrimination on the individuals involved.
Develop strategies for addressing gender discrimination.

Create a video presentation on a gender equality topic

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Create a video presentation that will help you understand gender equality better.

Browse courses on Gender Equality

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Choose a gender equality topic that you are interested in.
Research your topic and gather information.
Write a script for your presentation.
Record your presentation.
Edit your presentation and add any necessary visuals.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Attend a gender equality conference

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Attend a gender equality event to enhance your knowledge on the topic.

Browse courses on Gender Equality

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Find a gender equality conference that is relevant to your interests.
Register for the conference.
Attend the conference sessions.
Network with other attendees.

Attend a workshop on gender equality

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Attend a gender equality workshop to supplement your knowledge on the topic.

Browse courses on Gender Equality

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Find a gender equality workshop that is relevant to your interests.
Register for the workshop.
Attend the workshop sessions.
Participate in the workshop activities.
Network with other attendees.

Volunteer with a gender equality organization

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Volunteer with a gender equality organization to gain practical experience and apply your knowledge.

Browse courses on Gender Equality

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Find a gender equality organization that you are interested in.
Contact the organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
Complete the volunteer application process.
Attend volunteer training.
Participate in volunteer activities.

Mentor a student who is interested in gender equality

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Share your knowledge and experience with a student who is interested in gender equality.

Browse courses on Gender Equality

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Find a student who is interested in gender equality.
Contact the student and express your interest in mentoring them.
Develop a mentoring plan.
Meet with the student regularly to provide guidance and support.
Help the student achieve their goals.

Career center

Learners who complete Gender Equality will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Activist

Activists work to promote social and political change. They may specialize in a particular issue area, such as gender equality. This course may be useful for Activists who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the theory and practice of gender equality, as well as the strategies and interventions that can be used to address gender inequality.

See salaries and explore the career path for Activist

Diversity and Inclusion Manager

Diversity and Inclusion Managers develop and implement strategies to create a more diverse and inclusive workplace. They may work in a variety of sectors, including business, government, and non-profit. This course may be useful for Diversity and Inclusion Managers who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the theory and practice of gender equality, as well as the strategies and interventions that can be used to create a more inclusive workplace.

See salaries and explore the career path for Diversity and Inclusion Manager

Educator

Educators teach students at all levels, from preschool through university. They may specialize in a particular subject area, such as gender studies. This course may be useful for Educators who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the theory and practice of gender equality, as well as the ways in which gender inequality can be addressed in the classroom.

See salaries and explore the career path for Educator

International Development Worker

International Development Workers work to improve the lives of people in developing countries. They may specialize in a particular area of international development, such as gender equality. This course may be useful for International Development Workers who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the theory and practice of gender equality, as well as the strategies and interventions that can be used to address gender inequality in developing countries.

See salaries and explore the career path for International Development Worker

Researcher

Researchers conduct research on a variety of topics, including gender equality. They may work in academia, government, or the private sector. This course may be useful for Researchers who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the theory and practice of gender equality, as well as the methods and methodologies used to conduct research on this topic.

See salaries and explore the career path for Researcher

Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit Managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations. They may specialize in a particular area of nonprofit management, such as gender equality. This course may be useful for Nonprofit Managers who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the theory and practice of gender equality, as well as the strategies and interventions that can be used to address gender inequality in the nonprofit sector.

See salaries and explore the career path for Nonprofit Manager

Human Resources Manager

Human Resources Managers oversee the human resources function of an organization, including recruiting, hiring, training, and development. They may specialize in a particular area of human resources, such as diversity and inclusion. This course may be useful for Human Resources Managers who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the legal frameworks and international conventions that support gender equality, as well as the strategies and interventions that can be used to create a more inclusive workplace.

See salaries and explore the career path for Human Resources Manager

Grant Writer

Grant Writers write grant proposals to secure funding for nonprofit organizations. They may specialize in a particular area of grant writing, such as gender equality. This course may be useful for Grant Writers who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the theory and practice of gender equality, as well as the strategies and interventions that can be used to write more effective grant proposals.

See salaries and explore the career path for Grant Writer

Social Worker

Social Workers help people navigate the social service system and access resources to meet their needs. They may specialize in a particular area of social work, such as gender equality. This course may be useful for Social Workers who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the social and economic factors that contribute to gender inequality, as well as the strategies and interventions that can be used to address these issues.

See salaries and explore the career path for Social Worker

Journalist

Journalists write, edit, and report on news stories for newspapers, magazines, and other media outlets. They may specialize in a particular area of journalism, such as gender equality reporting. This course may be useful for Journalists who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the legal frameworks and international conventions that support gender equality, as well as the challenges and opportunities in reporting on these issues.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Consultant

Consultants provide advice and expertise to organizations on a variety of topics, including gender equality. They may work in a variety of sectors, including business, government, and non-profit. This course may be useful for Consultants who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the theory and practice of gender equality, as well as the strategies and interventions that can be used to address gender inequality in the workplace.

See salaries and explore the career path for Consultant

Government Official

Government Officials work in a variety of roles in government, including elected officials, appointed officials, and civil servants. They may specialize in a particular area of government, such as gender equality. This course may be useful for Government Officials who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the legal frameworks and international conventions that support gender equality, as well as the strategies and interventions that can be used to create more gender-equal policies and programs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Government Official

Philanthropy Officer

Philanthropy Officers raise and manage funds for philanthropic organizations. They may specialize in a particular area of philanthropy, such as gender equality. This course may be useful for Philanthropy Officers who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the theory and practice of gender equality, as well as the strategies and interventions that can be used to support gender equality initiatives.

See salaries and explore the career path for Philanthropy Officer

Policy Analyst

Policy Analysts research, analyze, and make recommendations on public policy issues. They may specialize in a particular policy area, such as gender equality. This course may be useful for Policy Analysts who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the theory and practice of gender equality, as well as the legal frameworks and international conventions that support it.

See salaries and explore the career path for Policy Analyst

Lawyer

Lawyers advise and represent individuals and organizations in legal matters, and may specialize in a particular area of law, such as gender equality law. This course may be useful for Lawyers who wish to gain a deeper understanding of the legal frameworks and principles that support gender equality, as well as the challenges and opportunities in implementing these principles in practice.

See salaries and explore the career path for Lawyer

Reading list

We've selected 11 books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Gender Equality.

Collective Choice and Social Welfare

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A classic work on gender equality, this book provides a comprehensive overview of the theory and practice of gender equality. It is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the challenges and opportunities of achieving gender equality.

Collective Choice and Social Welfare: An Expanded...

Paperback

The Blood of Others

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A groundbreaking work that explores the history and social construction of gender, this book must-read for anyone who wants to understand the roots of gender inequality.

Lethal Intersections

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A seminal work on intersectionality, this book explores the ways in which race, gender, class, and other forms of social inequality intersect to create unique experiences of discrimination and oppression.

Families That Work

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Provides a comprehensive overview of gender inequality across different countries and cultures. It is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand the global dimensions of gender inequality.

Families That Work: Policies for Reconciling...

Paperback

Gender, Equality and Welfare States

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the theory and practice of gender and public policy. It useful reference tool for anyone working in the field of public policy.

Gender, Equality and Welfare States

Paperback

Research Methods for Public Administrators

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the policies and practices related to gender and education. It useful reference tool for anyone working in the field of gender and education.

Research Methods for Public Administrators

Paperback

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Gender Law and Policy

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the law related to gender equality. It useful reference tool for anyone working in the field of gender and the law.

Gender Law and Policy: [Connected eBook] (Aspen...

Paperback

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Gender Law and Policy (Aspen College Series)

Kindle Edition

$$$$

The Journalism Manifesto

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Provides a critical perspective on the role of the media in shaping gender norms and stereotypes. It useful read for anyone interested in the relationship between gender and the media.

The Journalism Manifesto (The Manifesto Series)

Paperback

The Journalism Manifesto (The Manifesto Series)

Kindle Edition

Women's Work

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the latest research on gender and technology. It useful read for anyone interested in the relationship between gender and technology.

Essentials of Nursing Leadership & Management

Save

Provides a practical guide to gender and development. It useful read for anyone working in the field of gender and development.

Essentials of Nursing Leadership & Management

Paperback

$$$

Essentials of Nursing Leadership & Management

Paperback

$$$

Essentials of Nursing Leadership & Management

Kindle Edition

The Rise and Decline of Patriarchal Systems

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Provides a comprehensive overview of the role of gender in the economy. It useful read for anyone interested in the relationship between gender and the economy.

The Rise and Decline of Patriarchal Systems

Paperback

The Rise and Decline of Patriarchal Systems

Kindle Edition

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Level

Introductory

Via

Coursera

Institution

University of Western Australia

Instructors

Dr. Susan Harwood

Dr. Jacquie Hutchinson

Language

English

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Examines gender equality theory and practice, which is foundational knowledge for social advocacy

Analyzes the parameters of lawful equality, establishing learning baseline

Taught by the internationally recognized Dr. Jacquie Hutchinson and Dr. Susan Harwood, who bring their expertise to the course

Designed for policymakers and decision-makers working to unravel gender inequality

Emphasizes the evolving discourse of intersectionality, addressing the complexities of identity

Implications of this course extend beyond policy-making, offering personal growth and development