Goals
Brief description of the issue
The gendered job market segregation in the Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine area is strongly rooted in gender stereotypes. Amongst the 15 main jobs performed by men of the area in 2015, nine had a proportion of men higher than 80%. On the women’s side, we see the same trend: 10 jobs out of 15 had a proportion of women higher than 80%. To help children truly picture themselves in the careers they would really to embrace without being influenced by what is traditionally expected from them according to their gender, we have to show them various models and be careful of the examples we choose when talking about careers and jobs. This activity can help you break down gender stereotypes associated with this theme.
Choose four jobs that are important in your community: two traditionally male and two traditionally female. Give each student four sheets with the outline of a person (see Character to draw – jobs in the downloadable documents) and ask students to draw people performing these jobs (for example, draw a “firefighter”) and to name their characters. Here a few jobs possible:
| Traditionally female | Traditionally male |
|---|---|
| Nurse | Car mechanic |
| Hairdresser | Fisherman |
| Teacher | Engineer |
| Early childhood educator | Police officer |
| Dietician | Firefighter |
| Social worker | Physician |
| Secretary | Scientist |
Once children have drawn and named their characters, invite people from your community that actually do these jobs, but that have a non-traditional job for their gender. Divide the group in four teams and invite these people to prepare a short activity where children can explore their job.
To find women in traditionally male jobs in the area, look at the Métiers pour elles website (in French only).
Don’t hesitate to contact employers or union representatives to get in contact with men and women in non-traditional fields for their gender.