Date: Wednesday, March 8th, 2023
Time: 6:15 pm EST | 3:15 pm PST
Location: Church Center for the United Nations(CCUN)
777 United Nations Plaza 8th Floor, New York
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In the era of multiple threats to humanity and the planet’s ecosystem as a whole, along with other socio-economic issues perpetuated by the impact of COVID-19 pandemic, acceleration in meaningful and quality education, particularly on global citizenship education, formal education, spiritual care learning, among others, are greatly needed for all humankind to overcome the global challenges while aiming for sustainable development in all aspects of life. However, the world is heavily affected by digital transformation and is transitioning to a new age of education.
More than 62% and 91% of the world’s population have access to the internet and access to mobile phones respectively. Digital technologies hold unlimited potential to empower women and girls socially and economically, varying from improving the access to education, employment, healthcare, and others. During the COVID-19 lockdown worldwide, many adopted virtual and remote learning approaches to ensure the continuation of education for the children and youth across the world. Digital tools have also been used to provide mental health support and spiritual care to people during lockdowns and isolations. Many women and girls are seen to benefitted from the implementations despite systemic barriers and challenges still exist. Nonetheless, women and girls are also empowered to be a changemaker using technological and digital advancement.
The event is aiming to showcase successful stories and approaches in various corners of the world while also gathering all stakeholders to discuss the best solutions for existing barriers and issues to achieve gender equality and women empowerment using digitalization and technology. Through this event, attendees are expected to gain ideas on useful frameworks to improve women’s lives using technology and digital tools. The panel will be followed by Q&A.
ABOUT THE SPEAKERS
Elise Anne DeVido
Ph.D., Associate Professor, SDG Center, Tzu Chi University
Elise Anne DeVido 戴愛蓮 is an Associate Professor with joint appointments in the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures and the Institute of Religion and Humanities at Tzu Chi University. She is a Faculty Ambassador (focus on SDG5) with the Tzu Chi University’s SDG Center. Her field is modern Buddhism in China and in Vietnam, with special focus on women. She has an ongoing interest in comparative hagiography and biography. She also researches the life and work of Thích Nhất Hạnh. In addition to many articles and book chapters on both Chinese and Vietnamese Buddhism, she is the author of Taiwan’s Buddhist Nuns and the forthcoming work Women, Buddhism and Modernity in China 1900-1950. She holds a doctorate in History and East Asian Languages from Harvard University and she has taught courses in history and historiography to both undergraduate and graduate students at Tunghai University, National Taiwan Normal University, National Chengchi University, St Bonaventure University, Duke University, and Duke Kunshan University.
Ms. Caitlin McCurn
Senior Director of Global Programs UNICEF USA
Caitlin McCurn is Deputy Directory, Global Programs at UNICEF USA. In her current position, she works in the Global Programs Division, serving as the focal point for UNICEF child protection and education programs. Prior to joining UNICEF USA, Caitlin worked as the Director of Research and Grants at the Alzheimer’s Association, New York City Chapter. Her professional experience includes work at non-governmental organizations in New York City and abroad. In Kosovo, she served as a transitional justice consultant at the Center for Research and Documentation, supporting an initiative to establish a regional truth commission in the territory of the former Yugoslavia. In Kenya, she worked for Flying Kites, an organization providing vulnerable children with access to high quality education and holistic support. Caitlin holds a BA in Anthropology from Salve Regina University and an MA in International Affairs from the New School.
Senior Programme Officer
ARROW
Keshia Mahmood is a Senior Programme Officer at ARROW. As part of the Communications team, she manages ARROW’s website and digital resource centre, e-newsletters and social media. She is the Regional Coordinator for the Asia Network to End Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C), a platform that aims to build stronger relationships and collaboration between organisations, activists, and researchers working to end FGM/C across Asia. Keshia also supports and facilitates capacity strengthening trainings on intersectionality in SRHR advocacy. Prior to joining ARROW, Keshia was a journalist and has covered issues ranging from general news, politics and business to lifestyle, entertainment and community-centric stories. She holds a degree in Communications with a major in Journalism. She is passionate about women’s rights and gender equality.
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