“The danger of a single story is that it creates stereotypes… and the problem with stereotypes is not that they are untrue, but that they are incomplete” – Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

Living in a diverse society like Geneva, we strongly believe in the “danger of a single story”. To understand other stories, views and perspectives on a range of socially divisive issues, the Global Shapers, Geneva Hub has launched this talk series titled “Uncomfortable Conversations”. It aims to bring together people from different walks of life and find common ground for cooperation, collaboration or just a respectful space for disagreement. If you’d like to challenge your thinking, views or simply hear other opinions, this is your crowd.

Our first event will be on the topic of Gender, Inclusion and Diversity Champions on November 23, 2021 (6:30 pm onwards) at Foound, Geneva.

We will be joined by the following panelists:

• Shabana Basij-Rasikh: Afghan Educator and Founder of SOLA, School of Leadership Afghanistan, Humanitarian and Women’s Rights Champion

• Adeba Abdullah-Khel: Promotes entrepreneurship in Geneva, with a special focus on refugees and migrants

• Gill-Whitty Collins: Author of “Why Men Win at Work”, Consultant & Executive Coach

• Gurchaten Sandhu: Project Director at ILO, President of UN Globe, LGBTIQ+ rights activist

• Julien Abegglen Verazzi: Founder of Humanisthme, Senior Community Catalyst of Impact Hub-Geneva, Activist

• Swetha Ramachandran: Moderator, Doctoral Researcher working on Humanitarian Aid & Global Shaper (Geneva Hub)

The event is shaped in the form panel discussion followed by audience interaction. The idea is to replicate a fireside chat and have an informal/lively conversation.

6:30 PM- 6:50 PM – Settling in

6:50 PM – 7:00 PM – Introducing the speakers

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM – Moderated panel discussion

8:00 PM – 8:30 PM – Audience interaction

From 8:30 PM onwards – Book signing, Networking & finger food by Nik’s Fudo

“Why Men Win At Work” books will be available for sale and to be signed by the author Gill Whitty-Collins: a great Christmas gift. Please bring cash.

We will spotlight the work of SOLA – School of Leadership Afghanistan, which is the first (and only) Afghan-led private boarding school for girls. Post the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, the staff and students have been temporarily relocated to Rwanda. To support to the school’s mission, the entry will be ticketed and all proceeds will go towards financially supporting SOLA.

More info on SOLA