Ayni: Peru’s First Gender-Equitable School

Young girls in Peru experience additional learning obstacles as a result of gender-based discrimination and stereotypes perpetuated by their learning environment. Their need to conform to social norms and behavior standards puts a limit on their dreams, creativity, and future, as their actions and thoughts start to be governed by cultural roles and labels that ultimately form and define them as individuals.

Ayni’s innovative and gender responsive design frees young adults from damaging social constructs, becoming the driving force behind achieving a better and equal education for all. It recognizes the forgotten potential of a well designed learning environment by using it as a strategic tool to improve the schooling experience of girls and all students in developing countries like Peru. Ayni is a much needed update to the uninspiring and factory-like environments by respecting individuality, acknowledging diversity, and celebrating culture.