
Agenda | Sep 22,2024
Apr 28 , 2024
By Eden Sahle
Since graduating from law school, I have attended countless women's conferences and workshops. These gatherings offer valuable learning opportunities and connections with inspiring people and organisations. However, a common thread weaves through these in-person events is hefty price tags.
High-star hotels usually host these conferences, and the costs associated with venue rentals, catering, and breaks seem excessive for resource-strapped organisations. Logistics consume a major portion of time, with tea and lunch breaks disrupting the flow and exhausting participants. Security measures for high-ranking officials further eat into valuable conference time – a hurdle easily avoided with virtual meetings.
Organisations pay speakers and paper presenters sometimes, even those incurring minimal travel costs within the city. I once presented research at a conference, receiving a substantial honorarium that I had to donate back to the organisation.
Leaders working for women's justice, equity, and opportunity spend a surprising amount of time planning frequent conferences. Resources are poured into designing and printing banners, roll-ups, stage covers, flyers, and booklets – all to attract women who are already successful.
These resources could be far better used to empower vulnerable women seeking justice and opportunities. Conference budgets could be directed towards those who need them most. Open, strategic virtual campaigns and meetings, inclusive of both genders, can be more effective than closed-door hotel discussions with a select group.
The pandemic highlighted the power of virtual gatherings. Online conferences and workshops offer a cost-effective way to connect large numbers of people. Virtual platforms offer wider reach, easier information dissemination, and more equitable speaking opportunities. This approach attracts a broader audience, including potential supporters of their mission.
Virtual meetings remove geographical limitations, allowing regional and global participation. Experts and mentors can share educational content, research, and projects online, making it easier for the public to learn and contribute as allies. Recordings of virtual sessions further enhance information transfer and accessibility.
Networking remains effective online. Most virtual platforms display participant names, contact details, and business cards, facilitating connections during and after the conference. Going virtual offers substantial value for managing tight budgets.
Virtual meetings provide dynamic solutions for collaboration, ideal for large groups. They empower organisations and individuals to connect effortlessly across financial and geographical barriers. Non-profits can significantly reduce travel, accommodation, and venue costs, allowing them to allocate resources more efficiently towards core goals.
This shift frees up valuable time for professionals to focus on solutions rather than logistics. Individuals gain the flexibility to attend conferences from their homes or offices, boosting overall participation. The time saved through virtual meetings translates into enhanced productivity for professionals.
Collaboration tools and screen-sharing features in virtual meetings enable seamless communication and idea exchange. This leads to more focused discussions, faster decision-making, and smoother collaboration without disruptive breaks. It also allows to gather and analyze feedback, leading to improved interaction and progress towards shared goals of expanding human rights.
Virtual meetings open doors for men and women to come together, learn from each other and work towards equality. Networking, discussions, and problem-solving in a virtual space can foster collaborative solutions. Increased interaction and dialogue between genders can lead to a better understanding of historical biases and pave the way for their elimination.
Creating a diverse and inclusive virtual platform is crucial for achieving gender equality goals. Shifting conferences and workshops online requires strategic planning and creativity. Done effectively, this approach can empower non-profit organisations to expand their reach and support to the women who need them most. It is a worthwhile initiative – cost-effective, time-efficient, and a powerful tool for widespread impact.
PUBLISHED ON
Apr 28,2024 [ VOL
25 , NO
1252]
Agenda | Sep 22,2024
Radar | Feb 24,2024
Advertorials | Feb 26,2024
Advertorials | Jul 24,2024
Radar | Jun 22,2024
Agenda | Nov 19,2022
Fortune News | Jul 17,2022
Verbatim | May 24,2025
Radar | Feb 17,2024
Radar | Sep 17,2022
My Opinion | 131327 Views | Aug 14,2021
My Opinion | 127682 Views | Aug 21,2021
My Opinion | 125659 Views | Sep 10,2021
My Opinion | 123297 Views | Aug 07,2021
Dec 22 , 2024 . By TIZITA SHEWAFERAW
Charged with transforming colossal state-owned enterprises into modern and competitiv...
Aug 18 , 2024 . By AKSAH ITALO
Although predictable Yonas Zerihun's job in the ride-hailing service is not immune to...
Jul 28 , 2024 . By TIZITA SHEWAFERAW
Unhabitual, perhaps too many, Samuel Gebreyohannes, 38, used to occasionally enjoy a couple of beers at breakfast. However, he recently swit...
Jul 13 , 2024 . By AKSAH ITALO
Investors who rely on tractors, trucks, and field vehicles for commuting, transporting commodities, and f...
Jun 21 , 2025
A well-worn adage says, “Budget is not destiny, but it is direction.” Examining t...
Jun 14 , 2025
Yet again, the Horn of Africa is bracing for trouble. A region already frayed by wars...
Jun 7 , 2025
Few promises shine brighter in Addis Abeba than the pledge of a roof for every family...
May 31 , 2025
It is seldom flattering to be bracketed with North Korea and Myanmar. Ironically, Eth...
Jun 21 , 2025
In a landmark move to promote gender equity in the banking industry, the National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) has released its inaugural Gender F...
Jun 21 , 2025 . By BEZAWIT HULUAGER
Officials of the Ministry of Urban & Infrastructure have tabled a draft regulation they believe will...
Jun 21 , 2025 . By AMANUEL BEKELE
A sudden ban on the importation of semi-knockdown and completely knockdown kits for gasoline-powered vehi...
Jun 21 , 2025 . By RUTH BERHANU
Mufariat Kamil, minister of Labour & Skills (MoLS), is rewriting the rules on overseas work, hoping t...