Working Towards a Gender Aware

Education Cluster for the Pacific

Region

Why Education in EmergenciesThe Global and Pacific Education ClusterKey Gender Issues and the Cluster’s ResponseCurrent Support AvailableStrengthening Cluster Effectiveness

Presentation Overview

Education Protects* protection from bodily harm* lifesaving information on dangers, messaging on health and hygiene* reduce the effects of trauma and offers normality, structure and hope

Education as an Enabling Right* gaining knowledge and skills permits the exercise of other rights.

Education as an Opportunity to Build Back Better* critical ingredient in reconstruction* promote respect for human rights, conflict resolution* increase children’s earning potential resulting in healthier families and improved ability to break out of poverty cycle

Why Education in Emergencies?

Global Education Cluster

Minimum Standards for Education in Emergencies

2003-2004

Global Education Cluster

2006

SPHERE Companionship Agreement

2008

UNGA Resolution- Education in Emergencies

2009

Education Cluster Framework in the Pacific

Pacific Education Cluster formed in 2009, co-led by UNICEF Pacific and Save the Children Australia

Membership is comprised of national Education Cluster representatives and regional partners

Annual meetings held to discuss common challenges, draft template preparedness/response tools and disseminate best practice and lessons learned

Fiji, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu- National Education Clusters, chaired by Ministries of Education and with Education Partner Group members

Key Achievements to Date• TOR/Ways of Working for the National and Regional Clusters• Post-Disaster Rapid Assessment Tool template• Dedicated Ministry staffing to Emergency Preparedness and

Response• Education in Emergency and Disaster Risk Reduction Policies• Relevant, efficient supplies

• Community beliefs and practices• Economic barriers• Infrastructure barriers• Policy barriers• Educational barriers

Key Gender Issues

A need to consider boys’ particular needs

Work with ECE sub-sector which engages far more systematically with women

Revisiting Supplies (disability and gender)

Consideration for separate latrines in schools (Evacuation Centres, Reconstruction)

Reaching out to mothers beyond SMC’s

Improving disaggregated data systems (EMIS)

Rapid Assessment: infrastructural vs social

Addressing the Challenges…

Minimum Standards:The 5 Domains

- INEE Pocket Guide to Gender

- Minimum Standards for Education

Current Support / Guidance

- UN Resolution (The Right to Education in Emergency Situations: Article 12 ++)

- IASC Gender Marker: Education Tip Sheet