A series of short, animated videos that introduce students to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals continues with this film that highlights why gender equality is important to sustainability (SDG 5). Students learn that in many regions of the world women and girls are denied basic rights such as education, paid work or even the choice of reading a book. Pupils will understand that equality means that every person has the same rights, and that being a boy or girl should not define how you are treated in a world that needs all of our innovative ideas to solve the environmental, economic and social problems threatening the future of our planet.
This resource supports Grade K-4 Social Studies topics regarding human rights, diversity, worldviews and cultural comparisons. Students also learn how identity and gender roles are affected in poorer regions of the world where girls must take over much of the responsibility for family and home care. The film includes information about the link between social justice and sustainable development by describing how inclusive education supports intellectual progress and innovation.
Advocacy is important in addressing inequality, and students could extend their learning experience with a poster project that highlights female Canadian heroes like civil rights leader Viola Desmond or Olympic medalist Clara Hughes. The class might also act as school role models for fairness by speaking out against discrimination at school or in their community.
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