Reporting feminist reflections on vocational education: Lessons from philosophical and historical perspectives in Southeast Asia

This report reflects on the intersections of feminist theory, vocational education and the struggle for equity in Southeast Asia. Drawing from philosophical discussions of idealism in education, the historical trajectory of vocational education in Thailand, and feminist critiques of patriarchy, the paper highlights how vocational systems have been historically shaped by gendered norms and utilitarian logics. Women often remain excluded from technical pathways, reflecting broader inequalities in access, participation and recognition. At the same time, feminist perspectives offer an alternative vision of vocational education as a site of empowerment, democratic agency and human flourishing. This report, which is conceptual in nature, situates Indonesia and Thailand as cases to rethink vocational education not merely as skills training, but as a field of struggle shaped by gender and power. It concludes with reflections on how feminist-informed approaches can contribute to more inclusive and socially just vocational futures.