Gender-neutral language and titles can help create a more equitable playing field
Audio is streamed directly from the publisher (traffic.omny.fm) as published in their RSS feed. Play Podcasts does not host this file. Rights-holders can request removal through the copyright & takedown page.
Show Notes
Historically, the terms ‘head boy’ and ‘head girl’ originated in British boarding schools in the 19th century. They were positions that were often chosen from the senior class and given privileges and duties, such as serving on school governing bodies and serving as role models for other students. Other schools and institutions of higher education, including those in other countries such as South Africa, later copied this custom, and it is still practised today. Similarly, concepts such as ‘head boy’, ‘head girl’, ‘brotherhood’ and ‘sisterhood’ remain among the longest-standing traditions and practices used in schools and post-school institutions for leadership positions as well as selected groups for men and women. The numerous and diverse gender groupings that are now present in these institutions, however, are not served by this heritage.
GUEST: Siyanda Magayana - Senior Officer: Gender Equality and Anti -Discrimination Office - Unit for Institutional Change and Social Justice University of the Free State