Advancing gender equality in vocational education and training

Advancing Gender Equality in Vocational Education and Training

GA number: 101241962

Funded by: Erasmus+ Duration: 01/01/2026-31/12/2027

Challenge

Across the Western Balkans, gender stereotypes and unequal access to vocational education continue limiting women’s participation in technical professions, leadership positions, and decision-making roles. Women remain underrepresented in STEM-related Vocational Education and Training (VET) pathways, while gender-biased teaching practices, weak institutional policies, and limited support mechanisms reinforce inequalities in education and employment. These barriers reduce access to quality career opportunities and hinder the development of inclusive labour markets across the region.

Innovation

EGAL-VET strengthens gender equality in Vocational Education and Training systems across Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia by embedding inclusive practices into institutional structures, teaching approaches, and governance mechanisms. Combining gender audits, staff training, policy development, mobility exchanges, and regional cooperation, the initiative equips VET providers with practical tools to create safer, fairer, and more representative learning environments.

Action

Conducting gender audits that reveal barriers, gaps, and discrimination affecting students, educators, and staff.

The training program covers key topics, including: a) Understanding
Gender Bias, b) Promoting Inclusive Teaching Practices: Strategies, c) Supporting students to identify and address gender-specific challenges, d) Fostering gender-Responsive administrative practices.

Developing Gender Equality Plans that improve participation, representation, and accountability within VET systems.

Delivering policy recommendations and multi-stakeholder roundtables that support inclusive vocational education systems.

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or EACEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them

EGAL-VET