Gender Equality and Women Empowerment: essential goals for attaining economic and social development objectives

On Monday, 26 June 2023, Dr. Mulu Burhane kicked- off the Short Executive Programme Gender Equality and Women Empowerment, bringing together professionals from 14 different countries aimed at getting better understanding on what gender equality and women empowerment means and how these can be supported in daily life.

For Mr. Paul Okon Udofot (Nigeria), joining the programme has been an insightful experience giving him the knowledge and confidence to strengthen his community back home: “Given my background as a university lecturer and a strong advocate of women empowerment, the programme has enriched my capacity through valuable connections in networking, funding sources, and shared experience among the participants from across the regions of the world.”

According to Ms. Diana Ntamu (Uganda), it was an incredibly transformative experience: “I have a background in entrepreneurship. I am a senior lecturer at the Makerere University Business School (MUBS) in Uganda and I have been supporting women entrepreneurs in different programmes. Whereas I am very passionate about supporting women entrepreneurs, I like proper grounding on gender issues. This programme enabled me to appreciate gender equality and women empowerment and I feel I am empowered to promote a more inclusive society.”

Ms. Trân Tran Thi Ngoc (Vietnam) joined one of MSM’s Short Executive Programme 10 years ago and was delighted to be back at MSM after such a long time to join the Gender Equality and Women Empowerment programme: “The content is designed in a structured and engaging manner, with a good mix of theory and practice.  I particularly like the way the programme provoked thoughts and reflection, which allowed me to first self-assess my leadership, and visualise how I am going to evolve to empower other women.”

Mr. Okon Udofot described the lecturer as an incredible communicator.“. Her unique hands-on approach in the course delivery has simplified, clarified, and internalised issues of women entrepreneurship to the participants.”
Ms. Ntamu fully agrees: “Our lecturer, Ms. Burhane, her practical exercises, and discussions, has allowed me to gain the insights and skills that I need to go back to Uganda and run a powerful Women Entrepreneurship programme.”


Sharing knowledge and experiences with professionals from all over the world gives a unique dimension to the learning development, something Ms. Tran Thi Ngoc was very grateful for: “I was able to meet people from different countries, who do an incredible job in their own communities to navigate the challenges and gender biases which women face today. It was a real community, where we were our authentic self, shared our thoughts, and expressed ourselves freely. For me, that is a bonus. I highly recommend anyone interested in gender equality and women empowerment to invest their time in this programme.”

About the programme
Gender as a social construct is reinforced and reconstructed in everyday social practices and institutional structures. Recent developments show that gender equality and women's empowerment are essential goals not only from the standpoint of human rights but also for attaining various economic and social development objectives, including food security, peace, health, education, and family well-being.

Attention for gender and women empowerment related issues and institutionalisation is therefore important. During the programme, Ms. Burhane provides knowledge, techniques, and tools to develop the required skills to change attitudes and behaviors toward gender equality. Through interactive learning, participants deepen their understanding of the underlying causes of gender inequality, enhance their self-awareness and self-confidence, and get the knowledge and skills required for advancing gender equality and empowering themselves and other women in their daily lives and work.

Do you want to join the Gender Equality and Women Empowerment programme?
The next programme will run from 27 – 31 May 2024. Click here for more information about the programme and how to apply.

About MSM’s Short Executive Programmes
Today’s rapidly changing societies and economies demand the most from organisations, leaders, managers and professionals. MSM’s Short Executive Programmes for emerging markets are developed to achieve a successful and sustainable transformation of both individuals and organisations to support local economic development and business management.

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