Gender equality remains a cornerstone of social justice, sustainable development, and decent work. Yet, across the globe, progress is facing intensified resistance. From political and cultural backlash to shrinking civic space, the foundations of gender rights are being actively contested. Meanwhile, economic crises, climate emergencies, digital transformation, and armed conflicts  continue to widen inequalities and disproportionately impact women and marginalized groups in the world of work. 

The Gender Academy emerges at a critical moment—one that calls for renewed commitment, intersectional thinking, and collective resilience. This edition of the Academy invites participants to reflect deeply on where we stand, what is at risk, and how to strategically move forward to advance gender equality in the world of work. 

Hosted by the International Training Centre of the ILO (ITCILO), the Gender Academy is a unique global learning space that brings together a vibrant community of gender equality advocates, policy actors, and practitioners. Over two weeks, participants will engage with cutting-edge tools, peer exchange, and practical strategies to respond to today’s challenges and co-create a more inclusive future of work.

What Will You Explore at the Gender Academy? 

With gender rights under pressure, persistent structural inequalities and  hard-won progress at risk of reversal, the Gender Academy 2025 provides a global platform to unpack challenges, share strategies, and co-create solutions for a more inclusive and just world of work. 

You will engage with a rich mix of high-level plenaries, interactive panels, creative labs, and elective workshops, all designed to connect global debates with practical tools and community-building. 

🔸 Plenary Sessions 

Plenary sessions will guide participants through key issues defining the current gender equality agenda. These include women's labour market participation, pay equity, the care economy, violence and harassment at work, the implications of AI and digital technologies, intersectionality and inclusion in the workplace, among others. 

🔸 Thematic Tracks & Electives 

Participants will tailor their learning journey by selecting from five thematic tracks, each focused on a key dimension of gender equality in the world of work.

The electives address a range of interconnected issues, such as institutional gender mainstreaming, pay equity and job evaluation, inclusive leadership and male allyship, intersectional discrimination, the care economy, AI and digital bias, and gender-responsive strategies in climate action. Tracks are designed to offer both strategic insights and actionable tools, grounded in real-world practice.

Each track includes two linked elective courses—one offered in Week 1 and one in Week 2. Participants can choose to follow a single track across both weeks for deeper specialization, or select electives from two different tracks to broaden their perspective. In total, each participant will attend two elective courses, building practical skills, engaging in peer learning, and strengthening their capacity to create change in their own contexts. 

Why Should I Join?

By joining the Gender Academy 2025, you will: 

• Stay informed on the latest global trends, challenges, and responses in gender equality in the world of work

• Customize your learning path by selecting from a diverse menu of thematic electives

• Engage in participatory, creative, and experiential learning formats 

• Expand your professional network, connecting with peers, experts, and institutions from around the world 

• Leave with practical tools and an action plan to apply in your own work environment 

Who will attend the Academy? 

The Gender Academy welcomes a diverse and global community of professionals committed to advancing gender equality, inclusion, and social justice in the world of work. Participants typically include: 

• Government officials working on gender, labour, social protection, and development policies 

• Representatives of workers’ and employers’ organizations  

• Staff from UN agencies and international organizations, including multilateral development banks 

• Private sector actors promoting diversity, equal opportunity, and responsible business practices 

• Researchers and academics focused on gender, work, and inclusive development 

• Civil society organizations advancing rights-based and community-led approaches 

• Independent consultants and professionals engaged in gender equality, DEI, and organizational change initiatives 

The Academy takes place on the ITCILO campus in Turin, Italy, nestled in a park along the Po River. This UN hub—shared with the UN System Staff College and UNICRI—offers a vibrant international learning environment where participants from around the world connect, learn, and collaborate. 

Upon successful completion of all required course activities, participants will receive an official ITCILO Certificate of Achievement. This certificate may also count as a credited component toward the ITCILO Gender Diploma Programme, for those pursuing the full certification pathway.