The Erasmus+ project Gender aspects in adult education was launched with this thought-provoking question from the Czech organisation Elpida. On 16 and 17 April, partners from the Czech Republic (Elpida), Poland (Fundacja Różne Wątki), and the Netherlands (Leyden Academy on Vitality and Ageing) came together for the first transnational workshop.

Adult education

During this two-day meeting, participants explored adult education across the three countries, focusing on how it is organised and how participation among people aged 60 and older differs between women and men. A clear pattern emerged: in all three countries, more women than men take part in adult education. However, the gender gap is smaller in the Netherlands than in the Czech Republic and Poland. This raised important questions about the underlying reasons for these differences. Do motivations differ between groups of older adults? And how can gender equality in adult learning be strengthened?

Making participation more inclusive

The discussions were open, critical and highly constructive. Alongside statistical trends, partners shared practical experiences from their own contexts. Across all countries, the higher participation of women in adult education is seen as a sign of progress in terms of empowerment and access to learning opportunities. At the same time, the group explored how non-formal education can become more attractive and accessible to underrepresented groups, while safeguarding the gains that have already been made.

In the coming period, the partners will continue working towards insights and practical tools to make participation in adult education more inclusive for everyone.

For more information about this research project, click here or contact Elena Bendien at bendien@leydenacademy.nl.