Tuesday Talks

Advocacy involves promoting the interests or cause of someone or a group of people. An advocate is a person who argues for, recommends, or supports a cause or policy. Advocacy is also about helping people find their voice. There are three types of advocacy - self-advocacy, individual advocacy and systems advocacy. Self-advocacy refers to an individual's ability to effectively communicate, convey, negotiate or assert his or her own interests, desires, needs, and rights In individual advocacy a person or group of people concentrate their efforts on just one or two individuals. According to the group Advocacy for Inclusion "Advocacy is having someone to stand beside you if you think something is unfair or that someone is treating you badly and you would like to do something to change it."Systems advocacy is about changing policies, laws or rules that impact how someone lives their life. These efforts can be targeted at a local, state, or national agency. The focus can be changing laws, or simply written or unwritten policy. So, in today's conversation we will give space to amazing and pioneering women who are pushing for progressive and equitable policies

June is Pride Month, when the world's LGBTQ communities come together and celebrate the freedom to be themselves. Pride gatherings are rooted in the arduous history of minority groups who have struggled for decades to overcome prejudice and be accepted for who they are. The original organizers chose this month to pay homage to the Stonewall uprising in June 1969 in New York City, which helped spark the modern gay rights movement. On a hot summer's night in New York on June 28, 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay club in Greenwich Village, which resulted in bar patrons, staff, and neighborhood residents rioting onto Christopher Street outside. Among the many leaders of the riots was a black, trans, bisexual woman, Marsha P. Johnson, leading the movement to continue over six days with protests and clashes. The message was clear — protestors demanded the establishment of places where LGBT+ people could go and be open about their sexual orientation without fear of arrest. So, in today's conversation we will give space to amazing and pioneering women who are pushing for equal rights and treatment of individuals within the LGBTQ+ community.

World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honor refugees around the globe. It falls each year on June 20 and celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution. World Refugee Day is an occasion to build empathy and understanding for their plight and to recognize their resilience in rebuilding their lives. World Refugee Day shines a light on the rights, needs and dreams of refugees, helping to mobilize political will and resources so refugees can not only survive but also thrive. While it is important to protect and improve the lives of refugees every single day, international days like World Refugee Day helps to focus global attention on the plight of those fleeing conflict or persecution. So, in today's conversation we will give space to amazing and pioneering women who are working to support refugee communities.

Time and again, we are heartbroken by the news of lives lost to gun violence. Part of our healing must be the conviction that we will do everything in our power to prevent these tragedies from happening. Gun violence affects people of all identities and should be considered a public health issue, not a political one—an issue that needs to be addressed with research and evidence-based strategies that can reduce morbidity and mortality. So, in today's conversation we will give space to amazing and pioneering women who are finding ways to address gun violence and create solutions to keep communities safe.

Over 11 million men, women and children are in prison around the world, a large proportion for minor and non-violent offenses. Over 3 million people in detention are awaiting trial. However, overall, crime is not rising; the number of people in contact with criminal justice systems across the globe, and significantly the number of people in detention, is rising. All persons are vulnerable when they come into contact with a criminal justice system, face criminal proceedings, are in detention, or re-enter society after time spent in prison. Yet many systems continue to be designed for a homogeneous population and are discriminatory. Specific groups of people indeed require a distinct approach to protect their rights because they are especially at risk of violence or neglect. They too often ignore needs and vulnerabilities that are due to differences of circumstance, individual characteristics, or identity, typically older people, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, ethnic and religious minorities. So, in today's conversation we will give space to amazing and pioneering women who are fighting for criminal justice reform in various communities and finding ways to uphold incarcerated people's human rights as a whole.

Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month is observed annually in May to celebrate the contributions that generations of AAPIs have made to American history, society, and culture. The origin of AAPI Heritage Month dates back to the 95th Congress (1977-1978) when five joint resolutions were introduced proposing that a week in May be designated to commemorate the accomplishments of AAPIs This year's theme, selected by the Federal Asian Pacific American Council, is "Advancing Leaders Through Collaboration," which builds on a leadership advancement theme series that began last year. So, in today's conversation we will give space to amazing and pioneering women who are apart of the AAPI community and are finding different ways to highlight and uplift the community.

Impact investments are investments made with the intention to generate positive, measurable social and environmental impact alongside a financial return. Impact investments can be made in both emerging and developed markets, and target a range of returns from below market to market rate, depending on investors' strategic goals. The growing impact investment market provides capital to address the world's most pressing challenges in sectors such as sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, conservation, microfinance, and affordable and accessible basic services including housing, healthcare, and education. So, in today's conversation we will give space to amazing and pioneering women who are pushing for innovative approaches to impact investing and finding ways to increase community engagement and development.

Equity in the classroom means making sure every student has the resources and support they need to be successful. Equity and equality in the classroom aren't the same thing. Equality means every student gets the same resources and support, which sounds good in theory but doesn't always work in practice. Imagine handing out a math assignment to students. Every student has their assignment, plus a calculator, pencil and paper. Equal, right? But it's not equitable. To make the assignment equitable, teachers have to understand their students and provide targeted support. This could include helping ESL students understand instructions in an unfamiliar language, providing text-to-speech technology for visually impaired students or giving students with ADHD a quiet space to complete the assignment. Students are diverse, but our education system isn't. So, in today's conversation we will give space to amazing and pioneering women who are creating equity in the classroom in the hopes of providing all students with access to adequate education.

May is National Mental Health Month. Mental health month raises awareness of trauma and the impact it can have on the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of children, families, and communities. Mental Health Month was established in 1949 to increase awareness of the importance of mental health and wellness in the lives' of every individual, and to celebrate recovery from mental illness. Mental health is essential for a person's overall health. Prevention works, treatment is effective, and people can recover from mental disorders and live full and productive lives. In today's time with so much going on and the impact of the pandemic, mental health has become an even more important topic to highlight. So, in today's conversation we will give space to amazing and pioneering women who are continuing the fight to address mental health gaps and increase awareness.

Today is World Press Freedom Day, a day designated to take stock of the state of free press and expression around the world and to remember the journalists who were imprisoned, attacked, and lost their lives in the pursuit of truth. This year's World Press Freedom Day theme “Journalism under digital siege,” spotlights the multiple ways in which journalism is endangered by surveillance and digitally-mediated attacks on journalists, and the consequences of all this on public trust in digital communications. World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the UN General Assembly in December 1993, following the recommendation of UNESCO's General Conference. After 30 years, the historic connection made between the freedom to seek, impart and receive information and the public good remains as relevant as it was at the time of its signing. So, in today's conversation we will give space to amazing and pioneering women who are upholding the values of press freedom and finding new ways to incorporate equity and justice through access to information for all.

The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic crisis are presenting challenges to humanity at a scale not seen in generations. Since lockdown measures have been taken across the United States, unemployment is at an all-time high, with over 50 million people seeking unemployment benefits since the start of the pandemic; the demand for food aid has increased as much as eightfold; and community organizations, including food banks, across the nation are overwhelmed with increased demand for their services. The CARE Package Relief program provides life-saving food and services to the most vulnerable communities in the United States, while putting people back to work. CARE Package Relief builds partnerships with gig economy platforms (e.g. DoorDash, TaskRabbit, Lyft) to provide local service organizations the surge workforce needed to reach radically more people in need, and resource their ability to book this work as paid on-demand jobs. It addresses multiple challenges facing stakeholders across the system. This week we are celebrating the second year anniversary of the CARE Package Relief program and are happy to announce that we have served over 12 million meals to families in need, and put $2 million dollars into the pockets of gig workers in 7 cities. Before we get started I want to share this amazing video with you all that highlights the program's history and impact. *play video So, in today's conversation we will give space to amazing and pioneering people who played an integral role in launching CARE's first domestic program, CARE Package Relief. Let me introduce you to our speakers.

Mother Earth is clearly urging a call to action. Nature is suffering. Oceans filling with plastic and turning more acidic. Extreme heat, wildfires and floods, as well as a record-breaking Atlantic hurricane season, have affected millions of people. Even these days, we are still facing COVID-19, a worldwide health pandemic linked to the health of our ecosystem. Climate change, man-made changes to nature as well as crimes that disrupt biodiversity, such as deforestation, land-use change, intensified agriculture and livestock production or the growing illegal wildlife trade, can accelerate the speed of destruction of the planet. This is the first Mother Earth Day celebrated within the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration. Ecosystems support all life on Earth. The healthier our ecosystems are, the healthier the planet - and its people. For this International Mother Earth Day, let's remind ourselves - more than ever - that we need a shift to a more sustainable economy that works for both people and the planet. Let's promote harmony with nature and the Earth. Join the global movement to restore our world! So, in today's conversation we will give space to amazing and pioneering women who are keeping communities and the climate at the center of their work in hopes of creating a healthier environment for all.

Time and time again, sports and sports-based programs have shown to be central to promoting inclusion and creating opportunities for individuals as a means to establish mutual trust and create healthier communities. More than six hundred million people tuned in to watch FIFA's World Cup Final in 2010. This amazing figure is one of the many statistics that demonstrate how sports captivate our lives. Across the world, athletic competition activates a collective spirit that enhances community participation among children, adolescents, and adults. In 2000, at the inaugural Laureus World Sports Awards, Nelson Mandela, declared that, “Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to unite in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair. It is more powerful than governments in breaking down racial barriers. It laughs in the face of all types of discrimination.” So, in today's conversation we will give space to amazing and pioneering women who are creating a space in the sports and fitness world for social justice and social change.

April 2022 marks the official 21st anniversary of Sexual Assault Awareness Month. Even before its official declaration, SAAM was about both awareness and prevention of sexual assault, harassment, and abuse. Looking at the history of the movement to end sexual violence, it's clear why: It's impossible to prevent an issue no one knows about, and it's difficult to make people aware of a problem without providing a solution. The two work in tandem, and they always have. From the civil rights movement to the founding of the first rape crisis centers to national legislation and beyond, the roots of SAAM run deep. As long as there have been people who care about making the world a better place, there have been individuals advocating for sexual assault prevention. In the United States, movements for social change and equality began to gain traction in the 1940s and 50s with the civil rights era. Although open discussion of the realities of sexual assault and domestic violence were limited at these times, activists for equal rights began to challenge the status quo. In the United States we are currently celebrating the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women's Act (VAWA), but it's important for us to highlight that throughout the world activists are continuing to fight to make spaces safer for women and in every community. So, in today's conversation we will give space to amazing and pioneering women who are fighingting against sexual assault, harassment and abuse and raising awareness throughout their communities.

Data science continues to transform our world in truly extraordinary ways. Yet we all play a critical role in determining how data science and other technological innovations serve to benefit humanity in more expansive and inclusive ways.. In the social sector, we report to many stakeholders—the community where we serve and partner, staff, donors, and policymakers. Nonprofits and social businesses must be able to show what they do, and demonstrate the impact of what they do in terms of multiple factors including financial, social, and environmental. Despite the challenges across all sectors managing data effectively, the data imperative is here to stay. The dropping cost of technology makes collecting data far more affordable and easier than in the past. Data has the capacity to make the work of social change agents more effective and will build the case for support for the best programs and enterprises. So, in today's conversation we will give space to amazing and pioneering women who are collecting and utilizing data to improve communities around the world.

Our conversation today will highlight the Disability Rights Movement which established civil rights for people with disabilities, opening up opportunities for them to participate more fully in society. This movement gathered speed in the 1960's and led to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) being passed in 1990. The United Kingdom would pass a similar legislation: the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) in 1995. Many other countries across the globe followed suit with similar legislation throughout the 1990's. But the Disability Rights Movement fell short of examining how aspects such as the intersections of race, gender, class and sexuality play a role in the oppression of people with disabilities. That's where Disability Justice comes into play. Disability Justice builds on the disability rights movement, taking a more comprehensive approach to help secure rights for disabled people by recognizing the intersectionality of disabled people who belong to additional marginalized communities. So, in today's conversation we will give space to amazing and pioneering women who are keeping the disability justice fight alive and creating a more inclusive world for all.

Valentina Tereshkova, who made history as the first woman in space, once said, “A bird cannot fly with one wing only. Human space flight cannot develop any further without the active participation of women.” Since Tereshkova became the first woman in space in 1963, women have gone on to set many records for spacewalks and long-duration spaceflight on the International Space Station. Another milestone will come in 2024 when NASA aims to land the first woman on the moon under the Artemis program, named for the twin sister of Apollo. Women not only play a role in space exploration by being astronauts, they also work behind the scenes to make the journeys possible.Hidden Figure mathematician Katherine Johnson of the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) was instrumental in getting astronauts into orbit safely and helped put humans on the Moon. So, in today's conversation we will give space to amazing and pioneering women who are making space exploration possible and creating technology on Earth shaped by what scientists have found beyond our planet.

International Women's Day is a global celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women's equality. International women's Day has occurred for over a century, with the first IWD gathering in 1911 supported by over a million people. Today, IWD belongs to all groups collectively everywhere. Imagine a gender equal world. A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive. A world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women's equality. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias. So, in today's conversation we will give space to amazing and pioneering women who are breaking through barriers and gender stereotypes to create a more equitable world for women everywhere.

Resettlement gives refugees - whose lives have been disrupted- renewed hope, and the opportunity to rebuild their lives. The UNHCR (United Nations Refugee Agency) encourages States to establish formal resettlement programmes to increase the number of refugees who can benefit from this durable solution. In addition to the physical aspect of resettling refugees is the importance of integration which occurs when people from minority groups, having different racial, religious, or ethnic origins, relate equally with the social structure of the host society to form a whole and to engage with the cultural, political, and social life of the host country. So, in today's conversation we will give space to amazing and pioneering women who are creating spaces and communities for refugees to thrive and live.

Each February, in the US National Black History Month serves as both a celebration and a powerful reminder that Black history is American history, Black culture is American culture, and Black stories are essential to the ongoing story of America. Shining a light on Black history today is as important to understanding ourselves and growing stronger as a Nation as it has ever been. That is why it is essential that we take time to celebrate the immeasurable contributions of Black Americans, honor the legacies and achievements of generations past, reckon with centuries of injustice, and confront those injustices that still fester today. So, in today's conversation we will give space to amazing and pioneering women who are highlighting black history, culture and voices through their work and accomplishments.

Financial literacy combines financial, credit, and debt management knowledge that is necessary to make financially responsible decisions—choices that are integral to our everyday lives. Financial literacy includes paying off debt, creating a budget, and understanding the difference between various financial instruments. In sum, financial literacy has a material impact on families as they try to balance their budget, buy a home, fund their children's education, or ensure an income for retirement. Underrepresented communities have faced institutional barriers to financial security and wealth for decades, leaving a significant gap between those benefiting from the current system, and those being left behind.It's more important than ever for all generations in underserved communities to learn financial literacy principles so that they can effectively manage their money throughout their lifetime and act as ambassadors in closing the economic equality gap. So, in today's conversation we will give space to amazing and pioneering women who are striving to increase access to financial education and literacy in all communities.

For the entirety of human history, women and girls have contributed to advancement across the vast range of scientific disciplines. And as we celebrate those achievements and contributions, we recognize that science and gender equality are both vital for the achievement of the internationally agreed development goals, including the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Over the past decades, the global community has made significant efforts to break down barriers for women and girls in science. In order to achieve full and equal access to and participation in science for women and girls, and further achieve gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, the United Nations General Assembly declared 11 February as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science in 2015. Still a significant gender gap has persisted throughout the years at all levels of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines all over the world. Even though women have made tremendous progress towards increasing their participation in higher education, they are still under-represented in these fields. So, in today's conversation we will give space to amazing and pioneering women who are leading the charge to redefine the STEM world and create more access for women and girls globally.

Reproductive rights are centered around the legal right to access reproductive health care services. But what good is a right if you cannot access the services that right has provided? This is why reproductive justice is critical. Reproductive justice links reproductive rights with the social, political and economic inequalities that affect a woman's ability to access reproductive health care services. Core components of reproductive justice include equal access to affordable contraceptives and comprehensive sex education, as well as freedom from sexual violence. As the attacks on reproductive rights and justice continue to grow, it's more important than ever to build and strengthen communities who will fight for unrestricted access to comprehensive reproductive health care. So, in today's conversation we will give space to amazing women who are continuing to keep reproductive justice at the forefront of women's rights.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a self-regulating business model that helps a company be socially accountable—to itself, its stakeholders, and the public. By practicing corporate social responsibility, also called corporate citizenship, companies can be conscious of the kind of impact they are having on all aspects of society, including economic, social, and environmental. Most companies have long practiced some form of corporate social and environmental responsibility with the broad goal, simply, of contributing to the well-being of the communities and society they affect and on which they depend. So, in today's conversation we will give space to amazing and pioneering women who are keeping communities and the environment at the center of CSR in order to create a better world for all.

Education is a human right, a public good and a public responsibility. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 24 January as International Day of Education in celebration of the role of education for peace and development. Without inclusive and equitable quality education and lifelong opportunities for all, countries will not succeed in achieving gender equality and breaking the cycle of poverty that is leaving millions of children, youth and adults behind. But who gets to determine what education systems look, what classes are taught, and what resources are offered to students? There have been debates throughout history from the local to the federal level on these questions and yet communities still struggle to provide not only quality education but equitable education. So, in today's conversation we will give space to amazing and pioneering women who are pushing for progressive and creative curricula in classrooms around the world.

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on our world. It's disrupted economies and education systems and taken away livelihoods. Governments, businesses and individuals have been forced to adapt rapidly. We have seen major gaps in many facets of life including human and social behavior, the economy and healthcare as the world pivots to adapt to a hybrid virtual model. With the economic impact of COVID-19, companies and people are still learning to embrace technology and create new workplace models. The pandemic has exposed major gaps in the healthcare systems but has also led to amazing innovations in the healthcare industry including telehealth medicine. In the future, we will find a return to normalcy in many aspects of life. But there's no question that many things will change, possibly forever. COVID-19 has altered the experience of being a customer, an employee, a citizen and a human for everyone.. So, in today's conversation we will give space to amazing and pioneering women who are on the ground working through the challenges and impacts presented by COVID-19 as we enter our third year in the pandemic.

Tuesday Talks went virtual in March of 2020 when the world was first hit by the pandemic and when none of us knew what the future would look like. We quickly pivoted Tuesday Talks to continue virtually and give people an opportunity to build community in this new normal. Over the past year and a half we have had 233 speakers, 88% of which have been women, and I am proud to announce that this will be our 81st discussion. We've had the privilege to cover topics ranging from Reconciliation After Tumultuous Political Times, The Role of Media in Social Justice Movements, Finding Solutions to Homelessness, and many more amazing topics. As we wrap up the year we hope to get feedback from our community members. Follow the link to our short survey in the chat. We will also include it in this week's follow-up email. We hope to gain perspective from you all that will power another year of amazing conversations. Today, we have an incredible lineup of individuals who have been past speakers on some of our most popular conversations, and we are closing out our year by celebrating them.

According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) more than 40 million people worldwide are victims of modern slavery. Modern slavery is a broad term covering practices such as forced labour, debt bondage, forced marriage, and human trafficking. It refers to situations of exploitation that a person cannot refuse or leave because of threats, violence, coercion, deception, and/or abuse of power. December 2nd is the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery and marks the date of the adoption, by the General Assembly, of the United Nations. The focus of this day is on eradicating contemporary forms of slavery, such as trafficking in persons, sexual exploitation, the worst forms of child labour, forced marriage, and the forced recruitment of children for use in armed conflict. So, in today's conversation we will give space to amazing and pioneering women who are leading the charge to address and end human trafficking in our communities.

Nearly 1 in 3 women have been abused in their lifetime. In times of crises, the numbers rise, as seen during the COVID-19 pandemic and recent humanitarian crises, conflicts and climate disasters. A new report from UN Women, based on data from 13 countries since the pandemic, shows that 2 in 3 women reported that they or a woman they know experienced some form of violence and are more likely to face food insecurity. Only 1 in 10 women said that victims would go to the police for help. The International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women is celebrated on November 25th and while pervasive, gender-based violence is not inevitable. It can and must be prevented. Stopping this violence starts with believing survivors, adopting comprehensive and inclusive approaches that tackle the root causes, transform harmful social norms, and empower women and girls. With survivor-centred essential services across policing, justice, health, and social sectors, and sufficient financing for the women's rights agenda, we can end gender-based violence. So, in today's conversation we will give space to amazing and pioneering women who are leading the charge to address gender based violence.

The world is in a very different place than where it was six years ago when the Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations committed to the goal of ending hunger, food insecurity and all forms of malnutrition by 2030. Conflict, climate change, and economic slowdowns are the major drivers slowing down progress, particularly where inequality is high. The COVID-19 pandemic made the pathway towards SDG2 even steeper. Food insecurity is defined as a lack of consistent access to enough food for every person in a household to live an active, healthy life. This can be a temporary situation for a household or can last a long time. Food insecurity is one way we can measure how many people cannot afford food. In 2020, between 720 and 811 million people faced hunger. So, in today's conversation we will give space to amazing and pioneering women who are leading the charge to address hunger and food shortages for all communities.

“Who cares about toilets? 3.6 billion people do. Because they don't have one that works properly.“ That is the starting point of this 2021 Campaign for World Toilet Day, taking place on November 19th. The Observance celebrates toilets and raises awareness of the 3.6 billion people living without access to safely managed sanitation. When some people in a community do not have safe toilets, everyone's health is threatened. Poor sanitation contaminates drinking-water sources, rivers, beaches and food crops, spreading deadly diseases among the wider population. Even though sanitation is a human right recognized by the United Nations, we urgently need massive investment and innovation to quadruple progress all along the ‘sanitation chain', from toilets to the transport, collection and treatment of human waste. So, in today's conversation we will give space to amazing and pioneering women who are creating innovative approaches to sanitation and fighting for access to toilets for everyone.

Storytelling is one of the most powerful means that individuals have to influence, teach, and inspire. Effective storytelling forges connections between people, places and ideas. Stories convey culture, history, and values that unite people. When it comes to our countries, communities, and families, we understand intuitively that the stories we hold in common are an important part of the ties that bind. And in many cases, they shape the ways we understand ourselves and the world around us. So, in today's conversation we will give space to amazing and pioneering women who are creating spaces for communities to understand and embrace their stories as a way to make positive change within themselves and the world.

World Savings Day was established on October 31, 1924 with a goal of promoting individuals and economies to save money and create spaces of economic mobility. Saving money is important because it helps protect you in the event of a financial emergency. Additionally, saving money can help you pay for large purchases, avoid debt, reduce your financial stress, leave a financial legacy, and provide you with a greater sense of financial freedom. With all of these benefits in mind one might ask the question, “why do so many people have trouble saving money?”. There are a number of different factors that have negative impacts on an individual's ability to save money including inequalities, lack of knowledge related to financial literacy, economic and political instability and many others. So, in today's conversation we will give space to amazing and pioneering women who are creating spaces for financial mobility and economic empowerment to thrive.

Homelessness is a global challenge. The United Nations estimates that 1.6 billion people live in inadequate housing, and the best data available suggest that more than 100 million people have no housing at all. Homelessness is growing in many parts of the world, occurs in all nations, and has severe negative impacts on individuals and on communities. Homelessness is a complex issue, sitting at the intersection of public health, housing affordability, domestic violence, mental illness, substance misuse, racial and gender discrimination, and unemployment. But a number of innovative approaches to homelessness are creating both short-term and long-term solutions. So, in today's conversation we will give space to amazing and pioneering women who are breaking down stigmas around homelessness and building a world where everyone has access to safe and adequate shelter.

On December 19, 2011, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/170 to declare October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child, to recognize girls' rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world. The International Day of the Girl Child focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls' empowerment and the fulfilment of their human rights. The theme for International Day of Girl Child 2021 is 'Digital generation'. While the pandemic has accelerated digital platforms for learning, earning and connecting, some 2.2 billion people below the age of 25 still do not have internet access at home. Girls are more likely to be cut off. The gender gap for global internet users grew from 11 per cent in 2013 to 17 per cent in 2019. In the world's least developed countries, it hovers around 43 per cent. But the gender digital divide is about more than connectivity. Girls are also less likely than boys to use and own devices, and gain access to tech-related skills and jobs. Only by addressing the inequity and exclusion that span geographies and generations can we usher in a digital revolution for all, with all. So, in today's conversation we will give space to amazing and pioneering women who are building a more equitable world for girls everywhere.

The concept of traditional education has changed radically in recent years. With tremendous increases in access to the internet and new technologies, being physically present in a classroom isn't the only learning option anymore. Virtual learning has taken on a whole new meaning during the COVID pandemic. School closures have been a common tool in the battle against COVID-19. Yet, their costs and benefits remain insufficiently known. According to UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) the COVID-19 pandemic impacted close to half the world's students by partial or full school closures, and over 100 million additional children will fall below the minimum proficiency level in reading as a result of the health crisis. So, in today's conversation we will give space to amazing and pioneering women who are leading the way in the future of education.

Hispanic & Latino/a/x Heritage Month is commemorated in the US from September 15 to October 15 every year as a time to recognize and celebrate the many contributions, diverse cultures, and extensive histories of the community. The month has been celebrated nationwide through festivals, art shows, conferences, community gatherings, and much more. During this month we also celebrate and highlight the immense diversity within the culture and push for all individuals within the community. Today we'll expand the conversation into a global celebration of the contributions, experiences and aspirations of the broader diaspora. So, in today's conversation we will give space to amazing and pioneering women within the community.

Labor movements grew out of the need to protect the common interest of workers. For those in the industrial sector, organized labor unions fought for better wages, reasonable hours and safer working conditions. The labor movement also led efforts to stop child labor, give health benefits and provide aid to workers who were injured or retired. We live in a global economy that is characterized by an unprecedented rise in global trade, investment, distribution of production, and global corporations. As we continue to build a global community of workers, people and organizations are fighting for the rights of individuals within every sector. So, in today's conversation we will discuss how labor movements have shaped our understanding of workers' rights and how we might continue to fight for better labor standards across the globe.

A humanitarian disaster occurs when the human, physical, economic or environmental damage from an event, or series of events, overwhelms a community's capacity to cope. These disasters can take many forms including; natural disasters such as floods and hurricanes as well as human conflict. We are living in a time where we are constantly dealing with multiple global crises, and with the pandemic still impacting communities it seems like the world is becoming overwhelmed. From the recent events in Afghanistan to the earthquake in Haiti and now the Hurricane in the US Gulf Coast, communities are continuing to battle disasters with sometimes limited to no resources. So, in today's conversation we will discuss how organizations and communities are finding solutions to a number of humanitarian crises and how others can get involved.

Health care is always on the minds of the public, usually ranking among the top 3 concerns. The pandemic has surely shed light on the imperfections of the global healthcare systems and even more light on the need for more equitable access. As countries begin reopening, despite ongoing challenges around the pandemic, we must continue to ask ourselves how we will improve healthcare and guide better health policy? It is difficult to answer this question with certainty. What we do know for sure is that everyone in our world is impacted by these important decisions. International crisis, climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic are all placing enormous strain on the global healthcare sector's workforce, infrastructure, and supply chain, and exposing social inequities in health and care. So, in today's conversation we will discuss the future of healthcare systems and what changes we may be seeing in the near future.

Women's Equality Day is celebrated in the United States on August 26 to commemorate the 1920 adoption of the Nineteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, which prohibits the states and the federal government from denying the right to vote to citizens of the United States on the basis of sex. But equality is not just an issue in the U.S., we have seen the fight for equality take many shapes and forms on every continent. Globally, women and girls represent half of the world's population and its potential. Gender equality is a basic human right and is essential to achieve peaceful societies, with full human potential and sustainable development. In today's conversation we will celebrate pioneering women in the field who are continuing to push for equality and equity for women and girls everywhere.

International human rights law recognizes a right to adequate housing. The International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights upholds “the right of everyone to an adequate standard of living for themselves and their families, including adequate food, clothing and housing, and to the continuous improvement of living conditions. Although this concept is ingrained in the highest form of law, around the World we are seeing communities struggling to achieve this human right and in some cases, difficulty maintaining their cultures within the communities that they call home. In urban areas, as rents increase individuals and families are finding it difficult to stay in homes they have been in for their entire life. Meanwhile, shifting trends in rural settings are also driving migration and displacements in many parts of the world. In today's conversation we will discuss the current state of housing access and land rights and how our panelists are creating spaces for communities to thrive and survive.

Since 1990, 2 billion people have gained access to improved drinking water sources and 1.8 billion people have gained access to improved sanitation, according to the CDC. However, worldwide, 780 million people still do not have access to improved water sources and an estimated 2.5 billion people — half of the developing world — lack access to adequate sanitation. There's nothing more essential to life on earth than water. Yet, from Cape Town to Flint, Michigan, and from rural, sub-Saharan Africa to Asia's megacities, there's a global water crisis. People are struggling to access the quantity and quality of water they need for drinking, cooking, bathing, handwashing, and growing their food. In today's conversation we will discuss water systems and how people and organizations are creating a space for equity in water access for all.

Disaster can strike at any time and in any place, building slowly, or occurring suddenly without warning and can significantly impact entire communities. The immediate effects include loss of life and damage to property and infrastructure. In some cases it leaves survivors traumatized by the experience, uncertain of the future and less able to provide for their own welfare. Many are left without adequate shelter, food, water and other necessities to sustain life. This past year, we as a global community, have experienced one of the most life changing public health crises in our lifetime. Through the aftermath of the pandemic we have seen amazing resilience from individuals and communities. Nonprofits, state and local agencies, and the private sector have come together to address the negative impacts of not only this disaster but natural disasters as well. In today's conversation we will discuss how organizations are responding to various disasters and how we might rethink the future of emergency response.

The world of work is changing. A recent study by Mckinsey & Company found that COVID-19 accelerated a shift to remote work and virtual meetings and created a space for telemedicine and restaurant delivery. Not to mention many of the business meetings that took place before will more than likely make their way to a virtual platform like zoom, negatively impacting the travel industry. Artificial intelligence, automation, and robotics have made this shift as significant as the mechanization in prior generations of agriculture and manufacturing. While some jobs will be lost, and many others created, almost all will change. In today's conversation we will discuss the future of work, what to expect and ways to navigate the changes.

When transporting someone who is injured or critically ill, emergency medical technicians and paramedics know the faster they get to the nearest hospital, the better the patient's outcome. A recent study published in US News and produced by Boston University School of Medicine indicated that the race of the patient may determine the destination. The study found that black and Hispanic patients in urban areas were more likely than white patients to be taken to a safety-net hospital – one that's obligated to treat low-income or uninsured patients – even if they were picked up in the same ZIP code as a white patient, or if another facility that's familiar with the patient might provide better care. As more and more evidence has emerged, researchers have begun to wonder about the extent to which disparities in trauma care exist in different nations.While age, gender, and postcode are commonly recorded, there's no uniform practice on recording ethnicity data in many nations, meaning the information often isn't available for researchers looking to conduct comparisons across large numbers of patients. In today's conversation we will discuss inequities in emergency medicine and how amazing pioneers are breaking through barriers to make positive changes to the healthcare system.

People around the world from all backgrounds, including Indigenous women, women of color, and trans people have always fought for Reproductive Justice, but the term was invented in 1994. Reproductive justice, distinct from the reproductive rights movements of the 1970s, emerged as a movement because women with low incomes, women of color, women with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ people felt marginalized in the reproductive rights movement. The term is now used on a global scale and has even become a part of several United Nations conventions. In today's conversation we will discuss not only the history of the reproductive justice movement but also the future of it.

This week's Tuesday Talk is hosted in partnership with CAREs Lavender League affinity group. For those interested in learning more please contact Kim Beers who leads the group-her information will be dropped into the chat. The global campaign to secure protections for the LGBTQ+ community has made significant progress in recent decades, especially in the realm of marriage equality. Yet in many countries, LGBTQ+ individuals still face repression, imprisonment, and even the threat of death. Given the severity of such abuses, laws and safeguards protecting this community from legal discrimination and political, social, and economic marginalization have become a priority for activists and a growing number of governments. In today's conversation we will celebrate the activism and legacy of the LGBTQ+ community and highlight pioneers in the field who are moving the needle and fighting for equity for all.

World Refugee Day is an international day designated by the United Nations to honour refugees around the globe. It falls each year on June 20 and celebrates the strength and courage of people who have been forced to flee their home country to escape conflict or persecution. According to the UNHCR over 80% of the world's refugees and nearly all the world's internally displaced people are hosted in low- and middle-income countries.The COVID-19 Pandemic has reminded us again of how truly connected we are as humans and have underscored that we, as one global community, can only be safe if everyone is included and protected. In today's conversation we will celebrate World Refugee Day and highlight pioneers in the field who are creating pathways and resources for refugee communities.

The global population is predicted to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, and to feed everyone, it's estimated that global food production will need to increase by up to 70% in the next 30 years. There are many challenges to overcome before regarding food production, including rising temperatures and more frequent droughts caused by global warming. These obstacles are making traditional farming methods increasingly inefficient and unpredictable. Traditional farming has also been hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic, creating disruptions in supply chains. As farmers grapple with these various changes, new innovative technologies are being implemented. In today's conversation we will discuss how we might reimagine farming to be more sustainable, environmentally friendly, and easier to access for all.

Throughout history, young people have been instrumental in highlighting social issues and being on the front lines of change. The rallies, marches, protest art and so many other forms of resistance have been at the core of youth led movements for justice and equity. I think of a young John Lewis and the freedom riders, Malala Yousafzai and young girls everywhere fighting for access to high quality education and Antoinette Si-to-lee, Hector Peterson and the South African Youth of Sowetho. The courage and resilience of youth continue to shape our world for the better as we strive for equity for all. In today's conversation we will discuss the role of youth in our most pressing social issues and ways we can build a community of support for change.