SallyDunbar
Mrs.Dunbar
GWNZ
Friday 14 March 2025: Women’s Empowerment Toolkit
Parallel event
Sponsored by the International Human Rights Consortium (IHRC)
Women and the environment, Women in power and decision-making, Women and the economy, Education and training of women, Women and poverty, Women and health
SDG 1 – No Poverty, SDG3 – Good Health and Well-Being, SDG4 – Quality Education, SDG5 – Gender Equality, SDG8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, SDG 10 – Reduced Inequality, SDG17 – Partnerships to achieve the Goal
Harassment (2016), Young Members (2016), Building Peace through Women’s Education (2019), Women and STEM (2019), Securing increased Domestic Funding for Education to include equal and safe access to Digital Learning (2022), Promoting and defending human rights of women in universities and other post-secondary forms of education (2022)
This session aligns closely with the advocacy work of Graduate Women New Zealand (GWNZ), which focuses on promoting lifelong education, gender equality, and leadership opportunities for women at all stages of life. GWNZ is committed to ensuring that women have access to the resources and support needed to advance their education, achieve financial independence, and take on leadership roles in society.
The Women’s Empowerment Toolkit session reinforced these priorities by emphasizing the importance of continuous learning and professional development. The discussion on bridging the gap between education and industry directly supports GWNZ’s advocacy for educational policies that prepare women for meaningful employment, ensuring they have the skills and qualifications needed to succeed in an evolving workforce. The session also highlighted the importance of mentorship programs, which align with GWNZ’s commitment to fostering networks that empower women through guidance, role modeling, and leadership development.
Economic empowerment was another key theme, particularly in relation to financial independence, career progression, and entrepreneurship. GWNZ advocates for gender-responsive policies that remove financial barriers to education, making university and vocational training more accessible to women. The session’s focus on breaking economic and social barriers for women through financial literacy and career readiness reflects GWNZ’s ongoing efforts to support women’s economic security and workforce participation.
The session also addressed the need for greater representation of women in leadership and decision-making, a key advocacy area for GWNZ. By promoting policies that support women’s leadership in governance, business, and trade, GWNZ works to ensure that women’s voices are included at all levels of decision-making. The session’s discussions on gender diversity, inclusion, and breaking barriers in leadership contribute to this goal by reinforcing the importance of advocacy, mentorship, and systemic change.
Finally, the session’s emphasis on wellness and self-investment resonates with GWNZ’s holistic approach to women’s empowerment. Ensuring that women have access to mental and physical health resources, work-life balance, and well-being initiatives is crucial for long-term success.
Women’s Empowerment Toolkit: A Roadmap for Change
The Women’s Empowerment Toolkit event, sponsored by the International Human Rights Consortium (IHRC), brought together an expert panel to discuss strategies for overcoming social, economic, and cultural barriers that limit women’s progress. The session provided a roadmap for fostering an inclusive and empowered world for women.
Panel Speakers:
– Janice Robinson – President, International Human Rights Consortium
– Sita Somara – Advocate for financial empowerment and access to education
– Bobbie Shrivaastav – Expert in digital transformation and enterprise workflows
– Jvothi Para – Mentor and champion for women in leadership
Key Themes:
The panel reinforced that empowerment is a lifelong journey and that women must have access to knowledge, resources, and opportunities to thrive.
1. Economic Empowerment – Financial independence is essential for personal freedom. This includes improving access to education, job opportunities, and entrepreneurship while addressing financial barriers such as university tuition and funding for women-led businesses.
2. Educational Empowerment – Investing in education equips women with critical thinking skills and the ability to make informed decisions. Bridging the gap between education and industry through mentorship and career readiness programs is essential.
3. Social Empowerment – Building confidence, resilience, and networks enables women to become role models and leaders in their communities.
4. Political Empowerment – Knowing one’s rights in the workplace, property ownership, and safety laws is key to advocating for change. Encouraging women to participate in community action and policy advocacy ensures their voices are heard.
5. Wellness Empowerment – Mental and physical health are essential for success. Prioritising self-care, work-life balance, and access to healthcare allows women to care for themselves before supporting others.
The discussion also explored bridging the gap between education and industry, highlighting the need for stronger partnerships with universities, NGOs, and businesses to prepare women for employment. The session reinforced that small steps today can lead to lasting change, ensuring women have the tools to take control of their lives, contribute to society, and promote a stronger, more inclusive world.
{How can the session serve GWI members on local. national and/or international levels?:15}
Graduate Women International (GWI) and Graduate Women New Zealand (GWNZ) can support the Women’s Empowerment Toolkit objectives by promoting education, financial independence, and leadership opportunities for women. Through advocacy for accessible education and scholarships, they can help bridge the gap between learning and employment. Expanding the GWNZ mentorship programme to provide women with the skills and confidence to advance in business, trade, and technology, ensuring they are prepared for leadership roles. Additionally, efforts to promote financial literacy and career development will empower women to achieve economic independence and long-term stability.
Collaboration opportunities include partnering with NGOs and business networks to strengthen global advocacy and provide career support for women. By co-hosting educational workshops and professional development events, GWI and GWNZ can create platforms for women to gain essential skills, financial knowledge, and business funding. Developing digital mentorship programmes and online learning resources would expand opportunities for women worldwide, connecting them with industry leaders and potential investors. Research initiatives on gender gaps in leadership and workforce participation could also inform policy advocacy efforts to push for inclusive workplace and education policies.
By combining education, policy advocacy, and leadership development, we can help create a more inclusive and equitable society where women at all life stages have the opportunities and resources needed to succeed.
