Why TVET trainers must reflect on gender bias narratives

Based on a study conducted as part of the Bremen–Namibia project, an article has been published on the importance of recognizing gender-specific biases and narratives in vocational education and training.

As part of the gender-responsive project “Vocational Training in Green Energy in Namibia”, the findings of the study “Rising Empowerment in Namibia: Perspectives of Female Trainees and TVET Students at Selected Training Centres and NUST” (Dr Ida Kühn, Dr Susanne Peters) – were presented to the lecturers on the vocational teacher training course at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) in Windhoek and to ten participating vocational school teachers of the study tour in Bremen at the end of March 2026. The findings met with great interest in both groups and were discussed constructively.

 

© GIZ / Antonia Friemel

Inspired by the presentations, Dr Lena Kloppers (Senior Lecturer, NUST) wrote the article “Why TVET trainers must reflect on gender bias narratives” and told project partner Prof. Michael Gessler: “I was inspired by your presentation and the work done by your colleagues. Please see a newspaper article I wrote. One way to raise awareness.” The article is available online: https://www.careers.com.na/mz-careers-main/why-tvet-trainers-must-reflect-on-gender-bias-narratives

Author: Jelena Jorczik