Section 5
Gender-Sensitive Career Designing Competences
Gender-sensitive career designing ensures that students make choices based on their abilities and interests rather than societal expectations. Section 1 provides an insight on how gender biases persist in career counselling, subtly shaping students’ aspirations. These biases affect not only career decisions but also the self-confidence of students exploring non-traditional career paths.
To counteract these biases, the focus should be on:
- Recognizing and addressing unconscious biases in career counselling.
- Challenging stereotypical career expectations through active discussion and media analysis.
- Promoting equitable access to career resources and opportunities for all students.
- Encouraging mentorship and representation of diverse role models in various professions.
Multimedia resources such as short videos and podcasts can enhance engagement and support different learning preferences, providing dynamic ways to explore career opportunities beyond traditional gender norms.
Global efforts, such as STEM mentorship programs for girls and initiatives promoting male participation in caregiving professions, highlight the importance of structured career guidance that is free from gender constraints. Career counselling practices should be proactive in questioning assumptions and integrating gender-neutral assessment tools.
Practical Application
- Step 1: Initial Career Exploration
- Use gender-neutral career interest assessments(e.g., O*NET Interest Profiler, MyFuture Australia).
- Ask students to identify their career aspirations and motivations, reflecting on whether gender norms have influenced their choices.
- Conduct a Gender Awareness Quiz to challenge stereotypes.
- Step 2: Identifying and Addressing Gender Bias
- Facilitate group discussionson how gender influences career expectations.
- Introduce success storiesof individuals in non-traditional roles.
- Use role-playing exercises to help students recognize and counter gender biases.
- Step 3: Exposure to Diverse Career Pathways
- Organize mentorship programspairing students with professionals from underrepresented genders in various fields.
- Plan career fairsfeaturing speakers from diverse industries.
- Develop a career exploration toolkit showcasing gender-diverse role models.
- Step 4: Personalized Career Action Planning
- Use a career planning worksheetto outline steps for achieving career goals.
- Encourage students to set long-term and short-term objectives based on their strengths and aspirations.
- Provide a career mapping template to visually track their professional journey.
Tools and Resourses
1. Gender-Sensitive Career Assessment Tools
2. Gender Bias Detection & Training Tools
3. Digital Platforms Supporting Gender-Inclusive Career Paths
4. Gender-Inclusive Career Counseling Training Resources
- ILO Toolkit on Gender and Career Guidance: A guide to providing gender-sensitive career counseling. Website
- Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Training for Counselors: Programs designed to help professionals integrate gender-aware guidance.
5. Mentorship & Networking Tools for Gender Diversity
6. Gender-Sensitive Job Search & Career Development Platforms
GOOD PRACTICE
To promote gender-sensitive career guidance, it is essential to consider case studies and exemplary practices that address the issue effectively. Below are some relevant examples:
1. Gender-Neutral Career Counselling Framework in Schools
Context: Schools in Denmark implemented a structured gender-neutral career counselling program.
Approach:
- Career counsellors were trained in gender bias awarenessand inclusive language.
- AÂ career toolkitwith non-gendered role models was introduced.
- Workshopson overcoming career stereotypes were delivered to students.
Outcome: Increased diversity in career choices, with more girls entering STEM fields and more boys considering caregiving professions.
2. STEM for All Initiative – Bridging the Gender Gap
Context: A European-funded initiative aimed at increasing female participation in STEM careers.
Approach:
- School-based interventionswith female STEM professionals providing mentorship.
- Scholarship programsfor young women in engineering and IT fields.
- Awareness campaignstargeting parents and educators.
Outcome: Higher enrolment of women in STEM programs and greater visibility of female professionals in traditionally male-dominated fields.
3. Encouraging Men into Health and Social Care Careers
Context: A national campaign in Sweden aimed at increasing male participation in nursing and education.
Approach:
- Male mentorship networks connecting young men with professionals in the field.
- Advertising campaigns showcasing men in caregiving roles.
- Financial incentives for male students pursuing degrees in health and social care.
Outcome: Improved gender diversity in nursing and education programs, contributing to a more balanced workforce.
These case studies and practices show how career guidance can be more equitable and gender-sensitive, guaranteeing fair opportunities for all individuals.
To support diverse learning styles, career counselors can use:
- Podcasts:
- Breaking Barriers: Stories of professionals defying gender norms. This podcast celebrates entrepreneurs and motivated individuals who have overcome challenges, sharing their journeys to inspire others –Â https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/breaking-barriers/id1399123538
- STEM Without Limits: Women and minorities in science and technology.
- Videos:
- TED Talk: Gender Stereotypes in Careers – Exploring gender bias in career planning. In this talk, Leah Sheppard explores how societal expectations limit career choices and offers insights on overcoming these biases. Watch
- Non-Traditional Career Paths – Profiles of individuals in diverse careers. This video profiles individuals who have pursued diverse careers, breaking away from traditional gender roles. Watch
- Interactive Webinars:
- Career Without Limits– Sessions on gender-free career planning. https://careerplanningacademy.com/
- Diversity in the Workforce – Discussions on inclusive hiring practices. https://inclusionforum.global/~package~3/webinars/diverse-and-inclusive-hiring-practices-for-your-organization-9/
References and Links
- Iloakasia, A. J. (2024). Career Guidance Programs and the Impact They Have in Eradicating Gender Imbalances in STEM Education. Action Research Journal Indonesia (ARJI), 6(3), 53–65. https://doi.org/10.61227
- Luyckx, K., Dierickx, E., & Ardies, J. (2023). Empowering teachers’ gender sensitivity. Australasian Journal of Technology Education, 9.
- Nota, L., & Soresi, S. (2017). Counseling and Coaching in Times of Crisis and Transition. Routledge.
- Serbova, O. V., Saenko, S. V., & Rudenko, O. V. (2022). The model of gender sensitivity formation in career guidance work. Psychology and Social Work, 2(54), 215–228.
Quiz
Gender-Sensitive Career Designing Competences
Why is gender-sensitive career designing important?
- It ensures career choices are based on skills and interests rather than stereotypes.
- It directs men and women to traditional gender roles.
- It discourages career exploration.
- It promotes gender-exclusive professions.
Which of the following contributes to gender bias in career counseling?
- Encouraging students to explore various careers without gendered expectations.
- Using only male role models in STEM career talks.
- Offering mentorship opportunities to all students equally.
- Highlighting diverse career pathways for both genders.
What is a key method to reduce gender bias in career counseling?
- Avoiding discussion of gender altogether.
- Promoting inclusive career guidance and diverse role models.
- Assigning career options based on gender history.
- Reinforcing traditional career roles.
How can career counselors help students overcome gender biases in career choices?
- By providing access to diverse role models and mentorship.
- By suggesting careers based on gender norms.
- By discouraging students from exploring non-traditional fields.
- By restricting career options to established paths.
Which of the following is a gender-sensitive career counseling practice?
- Using career exploration tools that assess skills and interests neutrally.
- Advising students to choose careers based on traditional gender expectations.
- Ignoring gender biases in job recruitment.
- Encouraging students to only follow high-paying career paths.
What is an effective way to promote gender-sensitive career counseling in schools?
- Providing professional development training for career counselors on gender bias.
- Limiting career guidance sessions to traditional career options.
- Using only historical career data to guide students.
- Encouraging students to follow gender norms when choosing a career.
Answers: Α, B, B, A, A, A
