Context
Promoting gender equity in education has become an increasingly important priority in Tunisia as policymakers and educators seek to address persistent gender stereotypes, unequal opportunities and barriers affecting both girls and boys within the education system. While Tunisia has made significant progress in expanding access to education, research conducted through the British Council’s Gender Analysis highlighted the need for stronger integration of gender-sensitive approaches within teacher training, curriculum design and classroom practice.
English language classrooms offer a particularly valuable space for addressing these issues. Language teaching materials, classroom interaction patterns and lesson topics can either reinforce or challenge gender norms. However, many teachers have had limited opportunities to reflect critically on gender representation in teaching materials or to develop pedagogical approaches that actively promote gender equality.
To address this gap, the British Council commissioned TELT to adapt existing gender equity training resources and develop a professional development programme tailored specifically to the Tunisian education context. The initiative aimed to strengthen teacher educators’ understanding of gender issues and equip them with practical strategies for promoting inclusive and gender-responsive teaching.
Implementation
The consultancy began by reviewing and adapting the British Council’s open-source Gender Equality in Language Education MOOC. Using insights from the Gender Analysis, the consultant contextualised the course content to reflect the social, cultural and educational realities of Tunisia.
The revised course addressed several key themes, including:
- gender representation in teaching materials
- gender equality in classroom practices
- gender-sensitive approaches to language teaching
- the role of education in challenging gender stereotypes
Building on this adapted resource, TELT designed and delivered a blended teacher training programme titled “Gender Equity in Language Education Training.” The programme targeted 200 teacher educators, who play a key role in supporting teachers across the education system.
The training combined online learning with interactive workshops, enabling participants to explore both theoretical perspectives and practical classroom strategies. Sessions encouraged participants to analyse gender representation in textbooks, reflect on their own teaching practices and develop techniques for creating more inclusive learning environments.
In addition to the training programme, the consultancy contributed to broader programme design and policy dialogue. The gender analyst provided input into the development of three related initiatives, including the Grade 7 Life Skills Toolkit and the Second Chance Centres Life Skills Toolkit, helping ensure that gender-sensitive perspectives were embedded within these educational resources.
The project also facilitated a roundtable discussion involving the Tunisian Ministry of Women and the Ministry of Education. This dialogue focused on the progress of the Ministry of Education’s Inclusive Education Programme and explored the implications of the British Council’s gender research for future policy and programming.
Impact
The consultancy helped strengthen awareness and capacity around gender equity within Tunisia’s education system.
By training a cohort of 200 teacher educators, the programme created a network of professionals equipped to promote gender-sensitive pedagogy and inclusive classroom practices across teacher training programmes and schools. These educators are now better positioned to support teachers in recognising and addressing gender bias in teaching materials, classroom interaction and curriculum design.
The adapted training resources also provide a sustainable foundation for future professional development initiatives. By contextualising the Gender Equality in Language Education MOOC for Tunisia, the project created learning materials that can continue to support educators beyond the life of the consultancy.
The consultancy also influenced broader programme development by embedding gender perspectives within new educational resources, including life skills toolkits designed for both mainstream schools and second-chance education programmes. This ensures that gender equality principles are reflected not only in teacher training but also in the learning materials used by students.
Finally, the roundtable discussions strengthened collaboration between government ministries and education stakeholders, helping align gender research findings with national education reform priorities.
Together, these initiatives demonstrate how targeted teacher development, curriculum support and policy dialogue can contribute to building a more inclusive education system—one in which classrooms actively challenge gender stereotypes and support equal opportunities for all learners.
Key Findings at a Glance
Gender-sensitive pedagogy strengthens inclusive learning environments
Teacher training that explicitly addresses gender representation, classroom interaction and teaching materials helps educators recognise and challenge gender bias in language education.
Teacher educators are key multipliers for change
Training 200 teacher educators created a professional network capable of cascading gender-sensitive teaching approaches across schools and teacher training programmes.
Teaching materials influence gender perceptions
Reviewing and adapting language learning materials highlighted how textbooks and classroom resources can either reinforce or challenge gender stereotypes.
Contextualised training increases relevance and impact
Adapting the British Council’s Gender Equality in Language Education MOOC for the Tunisian context ensured that the training addressed local cultural, social and educational realities.
Gender awareness supports broader education reform
The consultancy contributed to the design of new learning resources—including the Grade 7 Life Skills Toolkit and Second Chance Centres Toolkit—embedding gender perspectives into curriculum materials.
Policy dialogue strengthens systemic change
Roundtable discussions involving the Ministry of Women and the Ministry of Education helped align gender research findings with national inclusive education priorities.
3 Big Insights
1. Gender equity must be embedded in teacher education
Lasting change depends on equipping teacher educators with the knowledge and tools to integrate gender-sensitive approaches into teacher training programmes.
2. Teaching materials and classroom practices shape social norms
Language education provides a powerful opportunity to challenge gender stereotypes and promote more equitable participation for all learners.
3. Collaboration across ministries strengthens impact
Partnerships between education authorities and gender-focused institutions help ensure that gender equality initiatives are integrated into wider education reform programmes.