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Knowledge is a beginning.
One new theme each month. A growing space for clear explanations, thoughtful questions and information you can trace back to its source.
Words, made clearer.
Short educational explanations, not exact legal definitions. Follow each link for the source’s full wording and context.
Feminism+
A range of movements and ideas working for women’s rights, gender equality and an end to sexism. Feminist perspectives are diverse.
Gender equality+
Rights and opportunities should not be determined by gender. Equality does not require everyone to have identical lives.
Gender stereotypes+
Generalised assumptions about how people should look, behave or contribute because of their gender.
Intersectionality+
A way to examine how gender interacts with other identities and structures of power, shaping distinct experiences of discrimination.
Gender discrimination+
Exclusion or unequal treatment related to sex or gender that undermines equal enjoyment of rights.
Health literacy+
Being able to find, understand, assess and use health information and services. Clear communication from institutions matters too.
Technology-facilitated gender-based violence+
Gender-based harm committed, enabled or intensified through digital tools. It can connect online and offline experiences.
Freedom of religion or belief+
The freedom to hold, adopt or change a religion or belief, including non-religious beliefs, without coercion.
Patriarchy+
A social system in which men disproportionately hold authority and women face structural disadvantages.
Context note: This describes patterns of power, not a claim that every man has power over every woman. Forms vary across time and societies.
Sexism+
Beliefs or practices that rank people or restrict their possibilities because of sex or gender.
Context note: It can appear in everyday expectations as well as institutional rules.
Misogyny+
Hostility towards women, including punishment of those who challenge expectations of female obedience.
Context note: Examine the behaviour and its context; disagreement alone does not establish misogyny.
Gender norms+
Social expectations about acceptable conduct and expression for different genders.
Context note: Norms are learned and can change; they are not biological rules.
Agency+
The capacity to make meaningful choices and act on them, individually or collectively.
Context note: Resources and social constraints affect which choices are realistically available.
Equity+
Fairness that addresses different barriers and needs to make equal opportunities possible.
Context note: Equal treatment and equitable support are not always identical.
Gender parity+
Equal or comparable representation of genders in a measured group.
Context note: Numbers alone do not show whether people have equal influence or safety.
Ableism+
Beliefs and systems that devalue disabled people and privilege non-disabled people.
Context note: Accessibility concerns environments and institutions, not just individual impairments.
Heteronormativity+
The assumption that heterosexuality is the default or only legitimate form of intimate relationship.
Context note: This is about social expectations, not criticism of an individual’s orientation.
Collective care+
A shared commitment to people’s wellbeing within a community.
Context note: Care includes how work, support and responsibilities are shared.
Solidarity+
Acting together in support of others through trust and shared commitments.
Context note: Solidarity can recognise differences in power rather than assuming identical experiences.
Gender justice+
Ending gender-based oppression while seeking accountability and redress for harm.
Context note: A political and ethical concept; specific legal remedies depend on jurisdiction.
Keep exploring beyond our glossary
Our selection is a starting point. Browse hundreds of terms in EIGE, or explore UNGEI’s gender and education glossary. These links open the original sources.
New entries checked 7 October 2026. EIGE notes that some entries in its older glossary may need updating.
Educational disclaimer
We are independent storytellers and educational advocates, not certified experts. The information shared by Gynēma is based on publicly available sources, all of which we link for reference. We do not assume professional or legal responsibility for actions taken based on this content. Please consult qualified specialists for advice on specific legal, medical, or policy matters.