Formation of a safety culture among students in physical education classes as a tool for overcoming gender stereotypes in career choice

The article investigates the complex problem of the influence of ingrained gender stereotypes on the process of professional self-determination of young people, in particular students of higher education institutions. The emphasis is placed on the need to form a holistic safety culture in the educational environment, which includes not only physical protection, but also the creation of psychologically comfortable conditions for learning and development of each student, regardless of his/her gender. The importance of rethinking outdated approaches to the organization and content of physical education in order to ensure equal opportunities for youth self-realization, regardless of their gender, is substantiated. The potential of physical education as an effective tool for purposefully overcoming gender stereotypes in the context of professional choice of higher education students is revealed. Detailed recommendations have been developed, which include: rethinking educational standards and evaluation criteria, taking into account the individual abilities of students; expanding the range of offered types of physical activity that are not limited to traditional gender concepts; formation of mixed study groups to create an atmosphere of cooperation and mutual understanding; the use of gender-neutral terminology and visual materials that reflect the diversity of gender roles; focusing on the functionality and benefits of physical activity for health and professional development, as well as involving successful professionals of different genders as role models. The importance of improving the qualifications of physical education teachers on gender equality issues and developing their competence in applying gender-sensitive teaching methods is emphasized.