Gender equality and education

Abstract

The present study focused on issues related to gender equality and education, more specifically on university students' perceptions of gender inequality and its manifestations, with emphasis on domestic violence, justice application and execution of the respective penalties and its relationship with education. In particular, it was important to find out whether the resulting discrimination concerns them and, especially, about the sectors where inequality is most pronounced and its consequences. One objective sought to ascertain whether teaching in schools has contributed to increasing knowledge, understanding and promotion of gender equality, as well as whether, and to what extent, in universities the syllabus of curricular units dedicated to fundamental rights and constitutional law include this problematic within them. Another objective was to find out if there is sufficient scientific research carried out in this area and if that which exists is appropriate to contribute to a better life and a better future with respect to this theme. The methodology followed consisted in the elaboration of a questionnaire with questions addressed to Brazilian students, of both genders, coming from the most diverse states of Brazil, varying their ages between 30/40 years, who were virtually attending the Master's Degree Course in Law, in the 2nd semester of the present academic year (2020-2021), at the Portucalense University, Portugal. The aim was to understand the perception of the students, who already have professional experience in the area of legal sciences, on the topic based on the reality experienced in Brazil. The survey was answered anonymously and freely. The results showed that the overwhelming majority of students consider that gender equality between men and women is not realised in reality and have no doubts in stating that women are more disadvantaged. There is also a large majority who consider that it is at work where inequality is more accentuated. On the impact on education, almost all those who responded to the survey agree that more learning and better information are needed to combat inequality. On the other hand, however, almost all the students consider that young people of the 21st century are more informed about gender equality and that schools have contributed to this, leading us to believe that some favourable evolution has been taking place, so there was today a greater understanding and promotion of gender equality than there was in the past. It was concluded that the application of justice and the execution of sentences were often not fair and appropriate; also, scientific research in this area should be increased, as it is certainly a privileged instrument in the fight against the crime of gender violence.