International Symposium at University College of London UCL Faculty of Education and Society

Invited by Prof. Victoria Showunmi, from UCL’s Faculty of Education and Society, the symposium entitled: Education and Society: Challenges, Opportunities, and the Drive for Inclusion explored critical challenges in education, culture, and career development, with a particular focus on underrepresented populations in higher education and the policies needed to foster inclusion and success.

Dr. Missa Nassir, who completed a PhD at Bar-Ilan University, delivered a keynote lecture on "Breaking the Glass Ceiling: Challenges, Empowerment, and Progress for Israeli Arab Women in Higher Education" (February 19th), highlighting barriers and pathways to success for this community.

Prof. Pascale Benoliel, head of the international relations unit and commissioner of the faculty DEI followed with a keynote lecture on "Navigating Higher Education in Israel: The Lived Experiences of Underrepresented Communities", shedding light on systemic challenges and opportunities for diverse student populations.

Prof. Zehavit Gross, Dean of the BIU Faculty of Education, concluded with a powerful keynote lecture addressing "The Underachievement of Religious Girls in Mathematics in State Religious Schools: Social Construction, Ecosystem Influences, and Implications for Access to Higher Education and Careers in STEM Fields."

The symposium provided a platform for speakers to explore the lived experiences of diverse communities, the influence of historical narratives on society, and the role of technology in shaping the future of learning and work. Through interdisciplinary dialogue, participants gained valuable insights into policies and support systems that enable success while highlighting areas requiring further attention. The discussions fostered new perspectives on the intersection of education, history, and technological change, emphasizing their impact on opportunities for individuals and communities in an evolving world.