Creating Gender-Inclusive Vocational Education and Training and Economies for All, 15 November 2024, Online
The Regional Challenge Fund – RCF organised a webinar on Creating Gender-Inclusive Vocational Education and Training and Economies for All on 15 November 2024. The webinar animed at gathering experts, stakeholders, vocational providers, and enterprises to share ideas and strategies for enhancing gender equality within VET.
In the Western Balkans, the journey toward achieving gender inclusivity in vocational education and training (VET) presents both challenges and opportunities. While there have been positive strides in education and workforce development, traditional gender roles and stereotypes still influence the fields that men and women typically pursue. Addressing these disparities is vital not just for individuals, but for the broader economic landscape as well.
It is important to recognise that some stereotypes persist regarding what types of vocational training are seen as appropriate for different genders. Fields such as nursing and hospitality are often dominated by women, while industries like construction and IT are frequently associated with men. These perceptions can inevitably limit the career options available to individuals and may stifle the potential of our future workforce.
Promoting gender inclusivity in vocational education enriches the workforce and fosters innovation. Encouraging women and girls to explore a diverse array of vocational paths—such as technology, engineering, and skilled trades—can lead to more creative problem-solving and a robust labour market. When everyone, regardless of gender, is encouraged to equal educational opportunities, we create a resilient community and a stronger economy that benefits all. Towards supporting this idea, the webinar looked into addressing the following topics:
- Analysis of education, training, and employment data for women in the Western Balkans.
- Exploration of demand and supply-side obstacles to achieving gender parity in vocational education and training (VET) and various occupations.
- Open discussion on strategies and solutions for promoting gender inclusivity in VET and employment.
These topicis were addessed by:
- Sarah Elson-Rogers, Senior International Expert on TVET and Team Leader for the EU’s Education Outreach in the USA & Canada – download presentation
- Ivana Živadinović, Regional Project Coordinator, ERI SEE – download presentation
- Dragan Stanojević, Assistant Professor of Sociology at the Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade – download presentation
- Additional resources: download
The webinar recording is available here.
(Source: RCF, November 2024)
