istration. This needs ongoing surveys, interviews, and the creation of training courses. Diversity as a source of revenue and cash flow is of the utmost significance. 4. Enhancing Women’s Leadership Trajectories Via Female Role Models Project with Numbers UNESCO Chair Dr. Asli Mert, Koc University
accessible in remote locations, and fosters a better work-life balance. The paper describes the blended learning model employed, which focused on flex learning. Significance in India is that it mitigates all the challenges mentioned above. The future strategy would focus on inclusive education that’s gender-sensitive and customized for particular villages.
Pa r a l l e l S es s i o n 2 (B r e a ko u t Ro o m 2) Highlights The study looked at 10 sectors (academia, science, and technology, sustainable design, entrepreneurship, business, etc) covering 108 candidates and 82 graduates; conducted 6 training and seminar days, 14 module training with 12 seminar panels and guests, 20 sectoral meetings as part of this leadership project. At the commencement of the project only 31.5% of participants felt confident as leaders, which increased to 81.4% after attending the events. 80% think the project will contribute to their personal and career development. Participants derived great value from the mentorship and togetherness of the project. Sustainability was encouraged through a LinkedIn group called “Role Model Leader Women Network'' and through a maintained website grmlk.ku.edu.tr/en/. Leadership importance was emphasized in the context of Covid. Supporting women in leadership in all sectors leads to better outcomes, including profit, employee-friendly policies, cross-sector, and inter-sector collaboration. 5. Implications of Blended Learning on Women Empowerment in Rural India in Post-pandemic era Ph.D. candidate Rasika Ajay Soman, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham Highlights Challenges for women in India include gender-biased norms, restrictions related to schooling, traveling long distances, skill development, and employment, as well as lack of technical knowhow and financial/emotional dependence on family. Blended learning includes flexibility, self-paced learning, group learning, access to technology, one on one attention and has many advantages, including more inclusive education, and lessening of restrictions because it requires less travel and cost, is
Moderated by Dr. Meltem Alkoyak-Yildiz, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham 1. Stem Education Michelo K. Moonga, Zambian National STEM Foundation Highlights Many challenges arise from the lack of policy measures from Governments to enhance STEM education. Women bore the brunt of it because of the impact it has had on their income streams. The study also looks at opportunities to collaborate with researchers on policy recommendation papers. The key takeaways are (1) focus on STEM Education in Education Policy Program, (2) integration of STEM oriented programs in the business processes and CPD (Continuous Professional Development), including local value chains, (3) use of technologies that support women to work remotely, (4) build technological infrastructure and economical support that will increase opportunities for women to participate in STEM based careers. 2. Impact of the Covid-19 Lockdown on Economic and Psychosocial Well-being of Rural Women Veena Suresh, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri Highlights The study describes the impact of the first lockdown in rural India with focus on women led self help groups. Covid has had a direct impact on the employment status and income of every household. The number of working days has reduced. Nutrition and quality of food has reduced. There is an adverse effect on the mental health of women. The impact was different depending on the type of employment available for women. Aids an20
