As the world celebrates International Women’s Day 2024 under the theme “Invest in women: Accelerate progress,” it’s imperative to reflect on women’s role in driving societal advancement and economic growth. This year’s claim underscores the undeniable truth that empowering women is a moral imperative and a strategic investment with far-reaching benefits for communities, economies, and the world.
Women have historically been agents of change, breaking barriers, challenging norms, and pioneering innovations across various fields. However, despite significant strides in gender equality, disparities persist. To truly accelerate progress, harnessing women’s power and providing them with the resources, opportunities, and support they need to thrive is essential.
Investing in women’s economic empowerment through access to education, training, and entrepreneurship opportunities enhances their livelihoods and stimulates economic growth. When economically empowered women invest in their families and communities, they reduce poverty and foster sustainable development.
Promoting women’s leadership and participation in decision-making across all sectors is crucial for advancing gender equality and achieving inclusive governance. By investing in leadership development programs, mentorship, and networking opportunities, women can break through the glass ceiling and assume leadership roles where their perspectives and voices are heard and valued.
Taking proactive measures to close the gender pay gap and ensure equal pay for equal work is critical for promoting economic justice and social equity.
Encouraging girls and women to pursue education and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields is essential for fostering innovation and driving technological progress. Investing in STEM education for women not only closes the gender gap in these high-demand sectors but also fuels innovation and enhances competitiveness in the global economy.
In the SPATIAL project, Artificial Intelligence (AI) education is important for societal advancement. Recognising the diverse needs and varying levels of expertise within our community, we are proud to introduce two specialised courses tailored to cater to distinct audiences: a foundational course for knowledge workers in AI and a technical course tailored for experts in the field.
Check the Trustworthy AI and the Advanced Trustworthy AI courses.
By empowering women with education and advancing gender equality, we unlock a wealth of talent, creativity, and potential that fuels progress and prosperity for all. Happy International Women’s Day! If you want to check the women behind the SPATIAL project, look at last year’s article!