Gender stereotypes increase gender inequality, resulting also in higher gender pay gap, which is the highest in Estonia among all European Union members. Breaking the stereotypes is difficult, because they are passed from one generation to the next. One possibility to stop the cycle is to change the attitudes of youngsters, because they are more open to new ideas and the stereotypes are not yet so fixed in their minds. The easiest way to approach youngsters is through education system, which is why it is important to raise awareness among teachers and other school employees regarding gender stereotypes and how to support their pupils’ talents and potential by offering non-stereotypical choices.

Praxis has previously trained teachers and developed study courses for future teachers and other students to increase awareness. However, the support of school principals and management for gender mainstreaming in schools is also very important.

Therefore, the purpose of this project is to increase the level of gender equality in Estonia through increasing the gender awareness in educational system, with particular emphasis on school management bodies. During the project a one-day in-service training course that covers topics such as equal treatment and gender equality in schools, the role of school management in creating stereotype-free school culture and teaching practices etc, is developed for school principals and management. The course is tested out on two groups in Tallinn and Tartu in November 2016.