Why Women’s Leadership Matters in Lifelong Learning

Education does not end with school. Lifelong learning shapes who participates in leadership, innovation, and civic life. On 16 September 2026, the UNESCO Global Network of Learning Cities will host a webinar on how female leadership can strengthen lifelong learning systems in cities. The discussion will explore how women leaders in communities, institutions, and local governments help create more inclusive education policies and expand learning opportunities beyond traditional classrooms.

Speakers will share examples from UNESCO Learning Cities where women’s leadership has supported community education initiatives, strengthened institutional partnerships, and improved access to learning for women and girls. The session will also highlight how lifelong learning equips women with skills in digital innovation, climate action, and entrepreneurship, empowering them to participate more actively in social and economic life.

This discussion highlights an important idea: education should be understood as a lifelong right, not just a childhood opportunity. When cities invest in women’s leadership and inclusive learning systems, education can become a powerful driver of gender equality and social change. The webinar offers an opportunity to explore how urban policies, community initiatives, and education systems can work together to build more inclusive and resilient learning societies.

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