Integrating Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) into the implementation of foundational learning programmes

This webinar brought together speakers who are working in or closely with governments to embed equity and inclusion into large-scale education programmes across different countries.

Speakers included:

• Vijayalakshmi Iyer, Associate Director – Policy (Scale Ups), J-PAL South Asia
  • Vijayalakshmi Iyer’s presentation [PDF]
• Tabisa Booi, Project Specialist: Universities & Training, Funda Wande
  • Tabisa Booi’s presentation [PDF]
• Shiba Kumar Sapkota, Joint Secretary, Planning Division, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Nepal
  • Shiba Kumar Sapkota’s presentation [PDF]
• Professor Pauline Rose and Dr Laraib Niaz, REAL Centre, University of Cambridge
  • Professor Pauline Rose and Dr Laraib Niaz’s presentation [PDF]

This session explored how education systems can centre gender equality, disability, and social inclusion in the design and delivery of programmes, and what it looks like when this is embedded within government-led processes. Drawing on examples from India, South Africa, and Nepal, the webinar highlighted practical approaches to identifying and prioritising marginalised learners; strategies for reaching them through system reforms and programmes; and institutional arrangements that support meaningful inclusion. We also discussed lessons on how governments and partners navigate implementation challenges, strengthen equity-oriented decision-making, and build capacity for sustained GEDSI integration.

Read the What Works Hub for Global Education Strategy for Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) [PDF].