Prospera Women’s Post

Empowerment for a Sustainable Future: Bridging Education and Equality Presentation in English, live at BOKU and Online! The second keynote on May 17, 2024, is given by Zoe Lefkofridi is University Professor of Politics & Gender, Diversity & Equality at the Department of Political Science at the University of Salzburg. https://lnkd.in/dis9bzxV This keynote addresses the critical nexus between empowerment and environmental sustainability within the Earth4All framework accentuating two pivotal policy levers toward empowerment: gender equality in leadership positions and a reconceptualization of education. Despite significant advancements in gender equality in recent decades, women continue to be underrepresented in positions of power and decision-making in Austria, both in the political arena and in leadership roles across various sectors. This inequality drastically restricts the diversity of perspectives and experiences in decision-making processes related to sustainability. In addition to structural barriers, such as a lack of access to resources, networks, and mentorship opportunities, gender imbalances in leadership and politics in Austria reflect deep-rooted societal norms. Stereotypes and biases about gender roles and capabilities continue to shape perceptions of women's suitability for leadership positions. Efforts to address gender imbalances in leadership and politics in Austria require comprehensive strategies that tackle both systemic barriers and cultural norms. This includes implementing policies to promote gender diversity and inclusion, such as affirmative action measures, as well as challenging gender stereotypes and biases through education and awareness-raising initiatives. Referring to the latter, this keynote argues that challenging deeply rooted beliefs about gender roles requires a paradigm shift in education: in a world of multiple and mutually reinforcing crises, critical thinking and an embodied understanding of system interdependence is crucial. Tools of inner work, such as meditation and somatic practices (e.g., participatory theatre) might be essential for developing reflexive and connective capacities that are required to navigate an increasingly complex world. Through these intertwined perspectives, the keynote underscores the transformative potential of empowerment in fostering a sustainable future for all. Read more about her expertise and projects: https://lnkd.in/dmFDv_Mn Paris Lodron Universität Salzburg Earth4All #earth4all #empowerment #genderequality #transformation #gerechtigkeit #frauenrechte

Today on International Women's Day, we celebrate the achievements of women leaders around the world while recognizing that the journey towards true gender equality remains unfinished. A powerful example highlighted by Tessa DeLaquil’s article from International Higher Education 108 is the ongoing underrepresentation of women in leadership roles at colleges and universities globally. Despite increasing gender parity among students, women remain significantly outnumbered in top leadership positions like university president or vice-chancellor. DeLaquil outlines how achieving gender equality in higher education leadership requires addressing barriers at the national/regional level, institutional/cultural level, and individual level, which are still relevant today: 🌎 National/Regional: Explicit policies promoting gender equality can drive structural change, while better data collection allows informed policymaking. 👥 Institutional/Cultural: Universities must modernize procedures around recruitment, parental leave, and more to support women. Cultural attitudes and gender roles need to evolve. 👩💼 Individual: Leadership development programs, mentoring, and women's networks provide crucial support, but lasting change requires institutional commitment. While progress has been made, the article emphasizes that true equality will only be achieved through concerted efforts to transform systems and cultures that have long perpetuated gender imbalances in leadership. Read the full article below: https://lnkd.in/eEajbwja

This week, many will be posting about International Women’s Day. I questioned myself, can’t we find some actions and not be limited to just posting about it? 🤔 Here are my 5 actionable items( feel free to borrow): 📚 Educate yourself and others about women's rights issues globally and locally. 🎉 Take time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women in your community, at work, and around the world. 🌟 Mentor a young woman or girl to help her reach her full potential. (I’ll have one spot for this so ping me in the DMs if you are a university student in Architecture and Computational Design related fields) 💼 Advocate for gender equality in your workplace by organizing events or discussions focused on promoting diversity and inclusion. 🌍 Focus on the person- their achievements, leadership, scholarship, research, etc.- not their gender, age, native language, ethnicity ( and I’ll add immigration status as I can write a novel about this based on my own experience) Last year, I wrote a post about this day with a heavy heart but decided not to post. But this year, I’ll be posting every day during this week. 💪 #InternationalWomensDay #inspireinclusion #iwd2024

In celebration of the International Women's Month, discover below Leaders League Brasil interview with Juliana Duarte, Director of Escola Eduque, about women's empowerment and gender equality in the education sector. Leaders League: How does Grupo Eduque promote gender diversity in its internal policies and practices among its employees? Basic Education consists of a large number of female professionals. Eduque maintains respect and the promotion of gender equality as a core value in all its activities and actions. In our communications, we have adopted the use of terms in both masculine and feminine genders, career policies are based on meritocracy, and there is no salary difference between genders. The study groups, sharing of practices, and ongoing training for professionals and leaders that we promote, encourage the positioning of diverse and independent ideas and opinions, in addition to the appreciation and empowerment of women. Leaders League: And among the students, how do academic programs address issues of women's empowerment and gender equality? The Eduque school develops projects and campaigns that work to combat patriarchal culture, prejudices, and inferiority. Some examples include discussion circles about women's rights, the appreciation of literature and female artists, research, gathering of historical data, and campaigns for mobilization and reflection. Without a doubt, we have a long way to go, but it is evident that a sense of empathetic sensitivity is awakening in the new generations, expressed in multiple forms. These occur from communication with nomenclature, respectful actions, elimination of any offensive approach, stereotypes, and the promotion of equal opportunities, in the numerous school activities whether they are academic, sports, and cultural. Leaders League: What is the role of education in building gender equality beyond the classroom? The school should constitute a natural forum for dialogue and reflection on diversity and gender equality. The fight against inequality and violence against women is a complex process of multifactorial causes and must necessarily be addressed by education. In the example of violence, which is also a public health issue, the school works by presenting current legislation, promoting open dialogues, and actions of welcoming the questions of both male and female students. Leaders League: What are the main challenges and specifics for women working in the education sector? The challenges are similar to those in other sectors, but I understand that in the educational environment, we have a clear understanding of the urgent need to maintain dialogue in promoting correct concepts. Actions are consistent in building a culture of promoting equality and peace. It is essential that the school is in line with what the legislation ensures. #internationalwomensmonth #internationalwomensday #empoweringwomen #womeninbusiness

Let me take this picture of a competent, hard-working and powerful women's team (💪) that also had a lot of fun at work as an opportunity to draw attention to International Women’s Day. I've learnt and read a lot about female leadership recently - amazing and shocking things! 😕 There is this double bind effect, where women in leadership positions are either criticised for being too masculine (associated with a more directive leadership style) or too feminine (associated with a more inclusive, participative leadership style). As a woman, you can never dress appropriately - you're either too butch or inappropriately sexy; either too soft or inappropriately masculine. The area in which you behave correctly as a leading woman at work is therefore automatically smaller. 🙄 It still sometimes happens to me (who often works in societies where gender equality has not been on the agenda for so long) that I, as a female project manager, stand next to a male colleague at a project meeting and he is perceived as the leader as a matter of fact. He's addressed, I am ignored. 😤 Two of my colleagues are running a project in an African country to support women in advancing their scientific careers despite having a household and children. In my opinion, they would need less support in learning how to publish successfully and more support in looking after the household and children in order to have time to devote to science. All of this is food for thought for me, who lives in the very privileged situation of having a job and living in a country where gender inequality has less of a massive impact compared to other countries. 🙏 Can we just start committing to the fact that we are all equally worthy and powerful and also unique? 🙏

What I learned about gender equality from a pioneering science author Last week, Lisa Munoz author of "Women in Science Now," visited our campus. Her insights might change how you think about equality in academia. Here's what happened: - Lisa delivered a university-wide lecture that challenged our thinking. - She engaged with students and postdocs, sparking new ideas. - We strategized with our Climate Cluster of Excellence leadership. Surprisingly, Lisa and I discovered a past connection through the COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE SOCIETY. Small world, big impact! At Universität Hamburg, we're tackling gender inequality head-on: ➡️ Boosting female professor numbers. ➡️ Closing the pay gap. ➡️ Scouting top female talent. ➡️ Launching programs like Agathe Lasch Visiting Scientists. Lisa's visit reinforced a crucial truth: diversity doesn't just mean equality—it drives excellence and innovation in research. What's your take? How can we make science more inclusive? Remember, every small action counts. What will you do today to foster equality in your scientific community? #WomenInSTEM #GenderEquality #DiversityInScience #UniHamburg #EXCCliccs

Gender Equity in Technology: A Path to Inclusive Progress While gender equality ensures equal rights and opportunities for all, gender equity goes further by addressing systemic barriers and providing tailored support to achieve true balance. In technology, where women remain significantly underrepresented, equity is essential. Women make up only a fraction of STEM professionals globally, highlighting the need for proactive measures to close the gap. Gender equity aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 5: Achieve Gender Equality and Empower All Women and Girls. Encouraging women into technology requires targeted strategies: • Education and Mentorship: Early exposure to STEM fields through scholarships, mentorship programs, and coding workshops can spark interest and build confidence. • Inclusive Policies: Companies must adopt equitable hiring practices, provide parental leave, and foster supportive work environments. • Representation Matters: Celebrating female role models in tech inspires the next generation and challenges stereotypes. Achieving gender equity in technology is not just about fairness—it fosters innovation by bringing diverse perspectives to problem-solving. Empowering women in tech accelerates global progress, ensuring the digital future benefits everyone.

Today we are celebrating International Women's Day under the motto "#InspireInclusion", which emphasises the fundamental importance of inclusion for the promotion of gender equality. Women still face visible and invisible barriers, stereotypes, lack of appreciation and respect. Institutions of higher education like the HSBA Hamburg School of Business Administration should and must play a central role in promoting #diversity and gender #equality. It is time to not only stand up for more diversity, but to actively promote and live it! Gender equality and #diversity offer opportunities and enrich us all - a fact that we should emphasise again and again. Here are some thoughts on the pivotal role of institutions of higher education: Universities should … 1.  promote diversity by running targeted outreach programs at schools in different neighbourhoods and areas with high levels of migration. 2.  provide more support and guidance specifically to female students as well as students from underrepresented groups to promote their empowerment. 3. create an inclusive campus including formats and events that promote exchange and cooperation between students from different backgrounds. 4.  integrate intercultural skills training and awareness-raising workshops into the curriculum to promote understanding and appreciation of diversity. 5.  take greater account of diverse perspectives into teaching, for example through the use of diverse teaching materials and case studies. 6.  utilize the untapped potential of community partners and companies that are committed to diversity and inclusion for projects, mentoring programmes and research projects. By the way, there is a fantastic initiative for women empowerment at HSBA: HSBA leadHER #myhsba

#ISCblog #GenderEquality: 💡 Women comprise 1/3 of the global research workforce, but only 16% of science academy fellows worldwide. This disparity raises critical questions about whose voices are heard in #science, particularly as we confront global challenges like climate change and pandemics. Drawing on interviews with women from diverse disciplines and regions, we examine the systemic barriers and the strategies women scientists are using to drive progress in scientific organizations worldwide. ➡️ Discover how trailblazers are pushing for gender equality in science and reshaping scientific organizations: https://lnkd.in/e6rUbBch #WomenInSTEM #DiversityInScience #WomenInScience #GenderEqualityinScience #WomenScientists

With women making up only 41% of the workforce in #STEM jobs, encouraging female students to engage with technology is crucial to fostering inclusive innovation. 🫂💡 EIT Health is proud to support Girls Go Circular, a programme which works to close the gender gap in digital and STEM, as they launch a new student challenge today! 💪 We have introduced specific health related modules into the Girls Go Circular programme - aligned with the Deep Tech Talen Initiative, which has pledged to have 1 million people skilled in deep tech by 2025. Discover more about the programme's new student challenge in the post below ⬇️ Women and Girls in STEM Forum #womeninSTEM #girlsinSTEM #GirlsGoCircular