Have you ever thought everything was fair—until you looked a little closer?
“At first, we thought men and women were treated the same. Then we looked a little deeper.”
The words come from Giorgia, 11 years old, a PYP 5 student. Together with her group, she chose to tackle a topic as complex as it is necessary: women’s rights. What started as a unit of inquiry turned into an experience of discovery, reflection, and awareness.
During their research, the students explored the gender differences that still persist in our society. They analyzed current examples of inequality — in wages, political representation, access to education in parts of the world — and connected them to the history of feminist movements.
The most shocking discovery for Giorgia? That many inequalities are invisible unless you look closely. “On the surface, it seems like everything is equal… but if you look closer, you realize it’s not,” she says.
A struggle that’s still ongoing
The data confirms it: in 2024, women globally earn on average 20% less than men for the same job. Only 28% of parliamentarians worldwide are women, and in many countries, access to basic rights such as education or self-determination is still limited.
Despite progress in recent decades, equality is far from fully achieved — and Giorgia’s generation is already beginning to understand that.
A poster to send a powerful message
To share their message, the group created a poster that, in Giorgia’s words, is “an invitation not to stop, because there are still many rights left to fight for.”
It’s a project simple in appearance, but powerful in content: images, keywords, and symbols that speak of equality, strength, and determination.
Feeling part of a real change
In the end, what remains isn’t just a well-executed project, but the awareness of having a voice — even at 11 years old. “The best part was presenting. We’re proud of what we’ve done,” Giorgia says with a smile.
The group’s project is a perfect example of how, even in the early years of school, students can approach important issues with critical thinking, empathy, and a drive to make a difference.
Because the fight for equality has no age — and it starts right here.
Back
