Guest Speaker Series: He for She: The Importance of a Diverse and Inclusive Gender Dialogue

Gender equality is not just an issue for women; it is an issue for all. “He for She” emphasizes the critical role men play in advancing gender equality by engaging in open, inclusive dialogue. When men join the conversation, they help dismantle stereotypes, support diversity, and create a more just society for all. Inclusive dialogue fosters understanding, breaks down barriers, and builds partnerships between genders. It encourages men to listen, learn, and lead alongside women in the fight for equality. Together, we can create a world where everyone’s voice is heard and valued, making gender dialogue truly diverse and transformative. The main question to answer: how to get men into the room for these challenges?

Leyla has almost 20 years of business background in Azerbaijan, Turkey, and New Zealand. Her areas of expertise include communications, corporate social responsibility, government relations, social entrepreneurship, and tech for good. She worked for companies and organizations such as Procter & Gamble, Carlsberg, UNDP, Anadolu Medical Center, and more. She is an alumna of the US State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program “Women in STEAM”, a fellow of the Edmund Hillary Fellowship (a community of global changemakers in New Zealand), and an alumna of the Creative Industries Mentorship program by the Embassy of Finland. Leyla is leading innovation direction at UNDP Azerbaijan with focus on impact and public innovation. She has developed a series of digital solutions for female entrepreneurs that helped them to scale their business and find new areas for business opportunities. Currently she is an Ambassador for Women In Tech Global Movement in Azerbaijan and a TV anchor at “Female Factor” TV show on CBC channel.