Multilingualism in the Teaching of Gender Studies

How does one introduce the concept "gender" to a first year class? What aspects of their socio-cultural context may one embrace to demonstrate the ̳everyday‘ commonplace reality that gender alludes to? In what ways may students be involved in crafting the meaning of gender using their lived experiences? This paper will explore the use of African culture, more specifically; language, beliefs and practices associated with the social construction of gender. It is noted that much of the scholarship on the understanding of gender concepts are based on Western culture and experience. Yet, in Africa, culture as communicated through language is the overriding determinant of the lives of women, men, boys and girls. It is argued that within local cultural and social settings, the social construction of gender continues and that there are many actors. I n order to achieve vision 2030, and specifically the social pillar, gender equality must be one of the values communicated and taught in the school. In this regard, the paper will endeavour to demonstrate how this may be done. A procedure that incorporates and critiques African culture will be explored. It is anticipated that this will provide clues to social transformation and therefore, a way of working towards achieving gender equality.