A second chance for women through online learning

In this brief, the top 10 lessons from the United Nations Women's Second Chance Education (SCE) program regarding online learning are gathered. The program provides a second chance for women who have lost the opportunity to access education and training opportunities. Online learning has been one of the fundamental components of the program, which has been implemented in various contexts, including those where participants have low levels of literacy and digital knowledge.

When online learning is based on the 10 lessons outlined in this publication, it offers a unique opportunity to reach women who have always been at a higher risk of exclusion. The blended learning approach offered by many SCE programs demonstrates how online learning can be adapted to meet the needs of women facing multiple challenges: lack of access to devices and connectivity, low digital literacy, lack of digital confidence, and time-consuming caregiving responsibilities.

Online learning provides participants with greater flexibility to study at their own pace, at the time and place of their choosing, with access to a secure virtual space for pedagogical support and social interaction, as well as the option for asynchronous interaction through text messages.

The SCE experience suggests that online learning programs, whether blended or fully online, can be designed with consideration for the barriers women face when participating online.