IBE women and their pioneering role in comparative education: then and now

Since its inception in 1925, the UNESCO International Bureau of Education (UNESCO-IBE) has been at the forefront of promoting access to quality education for all. Over the years, women at IBE have played a crucial role in shaping the organization's mission and advocating for women's rights in education and beyond. 

Early contributors:

Edouard Claparède, one of the founding members of IBE, laid the groundwork for a diverse and inclusive team that included prominent women. Emilie Gourd, the Secretary of the International Alliance for Women’s Votes, brought her advocacy skills to the table, connecting women's rights, education, and political engagement. Marie Butts, a French educator, translator, and children's book author, served as the IBE's first General Secretary from 1926 to 1953. Her leadership paved the way for future generations of women in the field of comparative education. These women, along with other IBE researchers such as Elsie Schatzmann and Rachel Gampart, enriched the progressive philosophy of women as leaders and intellectual contributors.

The role of IBE in addressing contemporary social issues:

From its early days, IBE recognized the importance of addressing contemporary social issues through the exchange of educational data. The report in IBE Bulletin 28 (1933) on the theme of the 'married woman teacher' provided insights into the challenges faced by married women in the teaching profession, offering a "bird's eye view of the general state of the question." The report sought to present an impartial picture of the problem, refraining from recommending any specific system. This approach was consistent with the IBE Constitution, which aimed to collect educational data to facilitate the exchange of information for mutual benefit, as it continues to do today.

IBE’s commitment to gender equality 

The International Conference on Public Education (ICPE) in 1952 further underscored the significance of addressing women's access to education on a global scale. This event marked a crucial step in recognizing and discussing the challenges faced by women in the educational field, echoing the IBE's commitment to promoting gender equality in education.

Women in IBE today and the future

Women working in IBE today play a pivotal role in its mission to transform curriculum to achieve education systems that are effective, holistic, and sustainable. Women make up more than 60% of its staff - the IBE’s Knowledge Production, Capacity Development, Communications, Technical Assistance, Partnerships, and Finance sections are all headed by women. As we look towards the future, it is essential to build upon this equitable legacy, fostering continued collaboration in the pursuit of quality education for all.