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How can systems thinking help us stir the waters toward gender-inclusive futures? with Jade Tang-Taylor – Episode 8 UNLEARN

In this episode, I sit down with Jade Tang Taylor, systems thinker, creative strategist, and social impact leader, to explore how systems thinking can support educators in creating change toward gender inclusion.

We unpack the Water of Systems Change model and reflect on the different levels where change can happen: structural, relational, and transformative. From school policies to power dynamics and mental models, we talk about how these layers interact and what makes meaningful change possible.

Jade shares insights from her mahi (work) in education, design, and community leadership, including work with collectives like SASS (Systems Change Advocacy, Solidarity and Support) and frameworks like Scaling Deep. We also talk about why centring lived experience, embracing discomfort, and holding on to hope are all part of the unlearning journey.

This conversation reminded me that while systems can be complex and entrenched, we educators have the power to stir the waters and to help shape gender-inclusive futures, one ripple at a time, especially when we dare to look below the surface.

Links and materials mentioned:


Reflective Questions for UNLEARN Episode 8:

Seeing the System - Think about the education system you are part of. What are some visible structures (e.g. policies, practices, physical spaces) that reinforce gender norms? What have you never questioned until now?

Mapping Your Influence - If you picture change as happening on the three Water of Systems Change levels, where do you currently focus most of your energy? What might happen if you shifted your focus?

Recognising the Water You're In - In this episode, we talk about the idea that we’re often “swimming in systems” we don’t even notice. What’s something about gender in your school, organisation, or upbringing that you’ve taken for granted? What happens when you start to see it?

Mental Models and Resistance - Mental models can be hard to change, especially when they’ve helped us succeed. What belief about gender or education have you found hard to shift, even if you want to? What makes it hard?

Staying With the Complexity - Systems change can feel overwhelming. What gives you hope when change is slow? How do you keep going, even when you don’t see immediate results?

Here are the same reflective questions for Episode 8 in a printable and shareable PDF format.  

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