The Firdaous Initiative for Academic Excellence is pleased to invite you to a vital and timely webinar designed to address critical issues facing today’s professionals. In a world where the demands of career and personal life are constantly evolving, fostering an environment of equity and well-being is more important than ever. Join us as we bring together distinguished speakers to explore the intricate relationship between “Work-Life Balance and Gender Equality.” This event promises to be an enlightening session, offering deep insights and practical strategies for individuals and organizations committed to creating a more inclusive and supportive professional landscape.
Event Details
Date: Tuesday, August 19, 2025
Time: 1:00 PM WAT
Format: Online
Background
The modern workplace has undergone a profound transformation, with technological advancements and shifting cultural norms reshaping our understanding of a successful career. Today, professional achievement is increasingly viewed alongside personal fulfillment and well-being. This paradigm shift has brought the concept of work-life balance to the forefront of conversations about a sustainable and healthy career path. It is no longer seen as a mere personal challenge but as a critical component of organizational health, directly impacting employee satisfaction, productivity, and retention. A healthy balance is essential for preventing burnout and fostering a motivated, engaged workforce.
For women, the pursuit of work-life balance is often intricately linked with the ongoing struggle for gender equality. Despite significant progress, women continue to face systemic barriers and societal expectations that complicate their ability to thrive both personally and professionally. Unconscious biases, a lack of representation in leadership positions, and inflexible work structures often create an environment where women have to work harder to prove their capabilities while simultaneously shouldering a disproportionate share of domestic and caregiving responsibilities. This dual burden places immense pressure on their mental and physical health and can stifle career progression.
The intersectionality of these challenges is particularly evident when considering the societal roles traditionally assigned to women. Caregiving, whether for children or elderly family members, remains a predominantly female responsibility in many cultures. This reality directly impacts a woman’s career trajectory, limiting her availability for demanding projects, networking opportunities, and career advancement. Without adequate support systems, such as affordable childcare, parental leave policies, and flexible work arrangements, the goal of achieving a harmonious work-life balance can feel unattainable, reinforcing gender gaps in the workplace.
Addressing these disparities is not only a matter of fairness but also an economic and social imperative. Organizations that actively promote gender equality and support the work-life balance of their employees reap significant benefits, including enhanced innovation, improved financial performance, and a more resilient workforce. When women are given equal opportunities to succeed, they bring diverse perspectives and skills that drive progress. Furthermore, fostering a culture that values balance creates a healthier and more positive work environment for all employees, regardless of gender.
Therefore, creating a dialogue around these interconnected themes is crucial for driving meaningful change. It requires a collective effort from individuals, organizations, and communities to dismantle stereotypes, challenge outdated norms, and implement practical solutions. By openly discussing the challenges and exploring actionable strategies, we can pave the way for a future where both work-life balance and gender equality are not just aspirations, but fundamental principles of the modern workplace. This webinar aims to be a catalyst for such a conversation, empowering attendees with the knowledge and tools to advocate for and create a more equitable world.
Objectives of the Webinar
By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Analyze the common challenges, biases, and stereotypes that impede the achievement of gender equality within organizational structures.
- Understand the profound impact of caregiving responsibilities on women’s ability to achieve a sustainable work-life balance.
- Identify practical strategies, including the role of flexible work arrangements, for effectively managing professional and personal responsibilities.
- Discuss actionable solutions for how individuals and organizations can collaboratively promote equal opportunities and build robust support systems.
Meet Our Speakers
1. Bernice Adeoti
- Topic: Gender Equality
- Challenges to gender equality in the workplace: What are some common challenges women face in achieving equality at work in an organization?
- Promoting equal opportunities: How can organizations promote equal opportunities for women in the workplace?
- Addressing biases and stereotypes: How can women and organizations work together to address biases and stereotypes that impact gender equality?
2. Chibwe Lumpa (Educator & Advocate for Youth and Women Empowerment | Founder of Reach One Child Foundation)
- Topic: Intersection of Work-Life Balance and Gender Equality
- Impact of caregiving responsibilities: How do caregiving responsibilities impact women’s ability to balance work and life?
- Support systems for work-life balance: What support systems can organizations or communities provide to help women achieve work-life balance and promote gender equality?
3. Norah Malambo (Business Improvement Consultant – Kaizen Institute Zambia)
- Topic: Work-Life Balance
- Strategies for balancing work and personal life: How do women in manage their work and personal responsibilities?
- Impact of work-life balance on well-being: How does achieving (or not achieving) work-life balance affect mental and physical health?
- Flexible work arrangements: How can flexible work arrangements help women balance work and life?
For more Information, please contact
Marvellous Akinwumi
Head Gender Equality Unit
Firdaous Initiative for Academic Excellence