Event
UIL Gender Talks: Gendered informal learning in times of inflation and economic crisis
On Tuesday, 18 July 2023, the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) will host the first in a series of discussions to be held over the coming months focusing on gender within a lifelong learning perspective.
In today’s economic landscape, inflationary pressures are affecting individuals and communities worldwide. This virtual symposium, ‘UIL Gender Talks: Gendered lifelong learning in times of inflation and economic crisis’, is an opportunity to explore how gender-sensitive lifelong learning initiatives can empower women to navigate challenging economic periods.
Lifelong learning contributes to the development of fairer, more balanced and prosperous communities, where everyone can fulfil their potential, irrespective of their gender. It therefore also plays a crucial role in promoting gender parity. By providing continuous educational opportunities for everyone, regardless of age, gender or social context, lifelong learning enables individuals to access the knowledge, skills and confidence needed for empowerment. It also offers a means to challenge gender stereotypes by promoting equal opportunities and contributing to fairer employment prospects.
During this first UIL Gender Talk, experts will share their insights and experiences, exploring the intersection where gender, lifelong learning and economic resilience meet. They will highlight the gendered dimension of inflation and explain how economic crises disproportionately affect women, and define the key competencies individuals need to make informed economic decisions. The role of lifelong learning in providing people with these skills will also be highlighted.
Examples of best practice will be shared to showcase some of the lifelong learning programmes that are already in place to mitigate the challenges caused by economic uncertainty, and recommendations aimed at promoting inclusive financial literacy will be shared. We hope this discussion will encourage further dialogue and knowledge-sharing about this important topic.
Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but also essential for promoting sustainable development. It is a global priority of UNESCO and the focus of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5, which enjoins Member States to ‘achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls’. A commitment to gender equality is also reflected in SDG 4 on education and is widely recognized as vital to achieving the remaining 15 SDGs.
When: Tuesday, 18 July 2023, 14:00–15:30 (CEST)
Programme:
14:00: Introduction by Samah Shalaby, Gender Focal Point, UIL
14:05: Mr Salim Araji; First Economic Affairs Officer at the UN-Economic and Social Commission for western Asia (ESCWA), and Ms Claire Célérier, Associate Professor of Finance, Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto
15:00: Discussion
15:25: Closing remarks by Samah Shalaby
Language: English
Registration: https://unesco-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_gunyOYJWTR-MrlJd8N8b9w
Speakers
Claire Célérier is an Associate Professor of Finance at Rotman. Before joining Rotman, Claire was an Assistant Professor at the University of Zurich. Claire's research interests include household finance, financial innovation, and banking. Her work has been published in refereed academic journals, including the Quarterly Journal of Economics, and has raised the interest of several central banks and regulators around the world, such as the European Central Bank and the UK Financial Conduct Authority.
Salim Araji is First Economic Affairs officer at the UN-Economic and Social Commission for western Asia (ESCWA), he is currently leading he future of work initiative at UN-ESCWA. His research agenda at ESCWA is focused on inclusive growth, labor markets, private sector development, employment creation and the future of work. Currently, Dr. Araji , is leading the ESCWA Job monitor initiative. The monitor is capable of assessing skills, jobs and industries using big data. Also the monitor is capable of helping people to upskill or reskill using a pioneering labor market complexity forest. Araji has multiple academic publications on economic growth, macroeconomics and the macroeconomic effect of natural resource revenues.
Moderator
Samah Shalaby is an Education Specialist in the Inclusive Learning team at the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning (UIL) in Germany. She serves as the Gender Focal Point, promoting gender equality in the institute's programs and activities. Since 2017, she has been part of the team producing the Global Report on Adult Education and Learning (GRALE), which monitors regional and global development in adult education. Shalaby supports Member States in developing gender-responsive policies and strategies for adult education and lifelong learning. Additionally, she assists countries in enhancing monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for non-formal education. She holds a master's degree in economics from Philipps Marburg University, Germany, and has prior experience in the banking and academic sectors.
