Skills development for gender equality and social inclusion
Skills development for gender equality and social inclusion
10 June–26 July 2024
Introduction to the course
The ILO emphasizes the need for TVET systems to be accessible and responsive to the needs of a wide range of disadvantaged groups, including persons with disabilities, people living in rural areas, migrant workers, and individuals working in the informal sector.
This course is designed for participants to learn about the development of inclusive vocational training systems and programmes that can overcome a range of existing barriers for disadvantaged groups and individuals - specifically those related to gender equality. The gender gaps in TVET have significant and multifaceted consequences that extend to broader socio-economic impacts. These disparities undermine women's access to and participation in the labour market, perpetuate gender biases in occupational choices and contribute to a segmented labour market where women are often relegated to lower-paid, lower-status jobs.
Moreover, women's underrepresentation in STEM fields and technical vocations widens the disparity in employment opportunities between women and men, limiting women's participation in high-growth and technology-driven sectors of the economy.
The societal and cultural norms that underpin these gender gaps further entrench inequalities, making it challenging for women to break free from traditional roles and expectations which contribute to a cycle of disadvantage, where women are less likely to access education and training opportunities, especially in rural, informal, and traditional economies, due to a combination of logistical, societal, and financial barriers.
The consequences of gender gaps in TVET extend to the broader economy and society. The lack of gender diversity undermines the potential for creative solutions and technological advancements, hindering economic development and competitiveness on a global scale.
The course "Skills Development for Gender Equality and Social Inclusion" uniquely incorporates gender-responsive methodologies for TVET, developed through a collaborative effort by the ILO and VVOB (the Belgian Education for Development agency) [GRP4TVET]. This methodology aims to systematically integrate gender considerations into all aspects of TVET programs and policies.
Who attends this course?
- Policy-makers and technical advisors of ministries of employment/labour and education/gender
- Members of skills councils, national TVET authorities and similar institutions
- Representatives of workers' and employers' organizations involved in skills development
- Representatives of women's organizations
- Experts and technical staff working in the field of TVET planning and in CSOs and NGOs working with vulnerable groups
- Specialized institutions from the public, private and not-for-profit sectors that are working on gender issues, informality and the integration of persons with disabilities
- Gender champions and/or experts from the private or public sector
Objectives
This course provides practical guidance for assessing and building inclusive TVET and skills development systems catered to a range of groups and individuals, such as women, persons with disabilities, people living in rural areas, migrant workers, and people working in the informal sector. By the end of the eLearning programme, participants will have:
- Built awareness on key concepts and benefits of social inclusion in TVET for all
- Identified the underlying causes of inequalities, address questions of status, and challenge social perceptions
- Learnt how to overcome existing barriers to access and participation through carefully designed policy intervention and practical measures for inclusive TVET design and delivery.
Topics
The course endorses a holistic approach to the training and labour market inclusion process – from accessibility of training to participation, graduation, and work transition for all, focusing on some key specific topics:
- Inclusive TVET policies and strategies, following a rights-based approach
- Universal TVET system design from access to participation, graduation and transition to work
- Inclusive learning methodologies
- Framework for analysis of inequalities in TVET
- Targeted measures to redress inequalities.
Format and methodology
This innovative eLearning course has been designed according to a learner-centred approach in order to better involve participants and keep them motivated. It is highly interactive and engaging. Different methods have been used to make the content interesting, relevant and entertaining. The course includes a digital assessment tool that helps participants selfassess the current degree of inclusivity of a TVET and skills development system. After the participant has completed each module and submitted the assignment through the course platform, a tutor will provide feedback and the participant will be given access to the next module. Participants who successfully complete the assignments required (one per each module) will receive a Certificate of Achievement.
