CHALLENGES FACED BY RELIGIOUS EDUCATION TEACHERS IN GENDER SENSITIVE TEACHING: A STUDY OF PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN ESWATINI.

Abstract

This study investigated the challenges facing Religious Education (RE) teachers’ gender sensitive teaching with a reflective approach to their training programme and practice. It used a qualitative design. An open ended questionnaire was used to collect data. Purposive sampling was used for identifying potential participants; hence, six Religious Education teachers were identified and asked to complete the questionnaire. Data analysis involved reading the data, searching for emerging themes and developing concepts. The research findings indicated that RE teachers felt the need for gender equality to be integrated
in teacher training courses. Lack of training, societal norms and student attitudes were identified as challenges facing teachers in gender sensitive teaching. The study concluded that gender sensitive teaching in RE is impossible if teachers are not trained to do so. It was recommended that the Ministry of Education should organize in-service workshops on gender sensitive curriculum implementation.