Abstract

PIP: This editorial introduces a volume of Oxfam's Gender and Development journal that highlights the role of education and training in promoting gender equality. While the articles do not focus entirely on gender training, all seek ways to transform gender relations by developing accessible female-friendly educational methods. Educational systems worldwide reflect their social context (with male biased, Western-style education a by-product of colonialism) and may transmit culture, reinforce the status quo, or promote change. Structural adjustment programs are also increasing the barriers to education by forcing imposition of school fees, and female education is still considered subversive and threatening in many settings. Development donors, however, view the education of girls as a modernizing influence that can promote development. However, female skills acquisition must be matched by structural changes to improve women's status. Specific articles in this journal, therefore, consider the agenda of donors who stress Western-style education, the stereotyping of gender roles in formal educational systems, participatory educational methods, "education for empowerment" versus "schooling for subordination," and gender training as a component of a project to increase female access to schools, and innovative techniques. The journal also includes a report on the Fifth International Conference on Adult Education that calls for implementation of the conference goals.