Free teaching resources about space and gender inequality

Published 31 January 2025

From unfair stereotypes and the “motherhood penalty” to glass ceilings and tech made for men; gender inequality remains a global problem.

What challenges are female astronauts tackling? And how can they support women back home through their groundbreaking work in space?

This resource was created for Topical Talk Festival 2025. See student discussions on this lesson here.

These teaching resources are supported by The PA Foundation. The Economist Educational Foundation maintained full editorial control.

Skills and knowledge

Every lesson has a skill and knowledge focus. Click to see this lesson's focus and some of the questions students will answer

Speaking skill
- Step 5: I speak effectively by using appropriate language
  Did you share ideas within your group?
- Step 8: I speak engagingly by using visual aids to support my points
  Did you use the cards to help share your ideas?
- Step 11: I speak adaptively by planning for different possible responses of listeners
  Did you listen to other people’s ideas?
Knowledge

I know of problems women face because of gender inequality; and can explain how women in the space industry are helping to solve them.
What is an example of something women in space have done to help break down gender inequality?