Background and focus:
The aim of this webinar is to shed light on the main barriers hindering women’s access to WBL programmes around the world – especially in male-dominated sectors – as well as to present some possible solutions that could address this challenge. The presentation will focus in particular on the types of interventions that can be promoted by schools and training institutes to guarantee better and wider access to WBL for young girls and women.
In 2015, all the 193 UN member states which signed up to the 2030 Agenda have committed themselves to promote and provide equal and inclusive education and lifelong learning for all by 2030 (SDG4). Target 4.3 specifically addresses the importance of guaranteeing equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education. In many countries, a key component of vocational education programmes is represented by work-based learning, which may vary its nature and extent from one context to another. WBL represents a valuable way to facilitate the school-to-work transition and reduce unemployment, provide learners with valuable, in-demand technical skills which can lead to higher productivity and, consequently, to higher economic growth. However, much still needs to be done to ensure that these benefits are enjoyed equally by men and women. Indeed, evidence shows that, in almost every geographical area, women continue to face specific constraints limiting their access and retention in WBL programmes, and that they continue to be mainly concentrated in traditionally female sectors. This can have major consequences on them since these sectors tend to be lower paid and offer weaker opportunities for career progression.
What can be done to promote more females in WBL?
During the event, experts answered this question by examining some of the main solutions identified to tackle this issue. Two case studies from different geographical contexts (Albania, Angola) were presented as examples of good practices that have been successful in increasing women’s participation in WBL programmes.
Q&A sessions will be reserved to offer participants the opportunity to reflect, discuss and share knowledge and experience on the topic.
