Directorate of Equality

Schools

Equality is an integral part of all school activities; it must be addressed in schools frequently and across all areas, and it should form part of the atmosphere and culture of every school.

Schools are required to educate students about gender equality and to prepare them for equal participation in family life and working life.

It is important to keep the following in mind:

Gender and equality mainstreaming must be ensured in all policy-making and planning related to schooling and educational activities, including after-school programs and sports and leisure activities.
At all educational levels, students must receive appropriate
gender and equality education, which includes teaching about gender stereotypes, gendered study and career choices, and matters concerning disabled people and queer people.
All teaching and learning materials must be designed in a way that does not discriminate based on gender.
In educational and career guidance, and in counselling provided in schools, students must receive information and guidance related to the same opportunities, regardless of gender.

Educational and published materials

Gender equality training in schools

Since the first Gender Equality Act was passed in 1976, Icelandic schools have been required to educate students about gender equality and to prepare both boys and girls for equal participation in family life and the labour market.

Stop violence

STOP VIOLENCE! Educational material on sexual and gender‑based violence and harassment from the Directorate of Education

Equality – A publication on the fundamental pillars of education

The publication discusses equality education at all levels of schooling and how to create opportunities in school practice for everyone to develop on their own terms, in the spirit of tolerance and equality. This is the sixth booklet in a series on the fundamental pillars of education.

Guidelines for teachers on gender equality and gender‑based career choices

These guidelines were developed as part of the project BREAK! – Tackling Gender Stereotypes in Europe through Cross‑Media Learning (2017–2019), with the aim of raising awareness of the importance of equality and equal opportunities.

Guidelines for career counselors on how to discuss gender equality and gender‑based career choices

Everyone is good at something, and every single person matters! One of the things that gives life meaning is recognizing one’s own uniqueness and making the best possible use of it in order to achieve happiness and contribute positively to society.

Kynungabók

The aims of the Kynungabók are to provide a realistic picture of the status of genders in society, to show that equality issues concern everyone, to encourage young people to think about the impact of gender on their lives, to discuss how gender is shaped by culture, environment, and time, and to raise young people’s awareness of their own rights.

Why not?!

WHY NOT?! is an entertaining and engaging TV series that has become a hit across Europe and received numerous awards. The show follows the adventurous journey of Anna Sooväli, who transforms from a classroom outcast into the ultra‑cool rap star NoJik. Viewers also get a glimpse into Anna’s lively family life and social world, which is anything but ordinary.

Educational materials and published resources for the preschool level

Teaching guidelines

Anyone intending to use the book in work with children must be very aware of the sensitive issues involved if the book is to be used as intended.

When Friðrik was Fríða

The book reflects reality as it is, namely that girls and boys receive different messages from other children and from adults. For example, it is acceptable for girls to be “boyish,” but it is not acceptable for boys to be “girlish.”

When Rósa was Ragnar

Through targeted education and discussion from the very beginning of schooling, we provide young people with the opportunity to make decisions about their future on their own terms, independent of gender stereotypes and traditional career choices. This will benefit these individuals, and their abilities will also be an asset to society as a whole.