Every week, HEADlines brings you the latest news, stories and commentaries in education and healthcare. This week, get insights on the latest developments in education. image Gender equity in education and work Agriculture is considered to be the backbone of the Afghan economy, and women the backbone of the industry. However, there are far too few women in formal agricultural education courses despite national policies encouraging equal access to education. Similarly in India, studies have shown that while women participate in almost equal numbers in higher education as men, India’s female labour force participation fell from 32% to 21% from 2005 to 2019. How then can we increase female participation in education and the workforce? In both Afghanistan and India, there is a general consensus that female role models and mentors are key to ensuring women get adequate preparation, information and support to thrive in traditionally male-dominated industries. The importance of gender-balanced representation and mentorship cannot be overstated, to ensure economic equity and prosperity not just for individuals, but for entire industries. Education in the Spotlight The Hechinger Report: Does the future of schooling look like Candy Land? Emerging from the pandemic, districts in the United States look to expand personalised, competency-based education. The Hechinger Report: Proof Points: Three reports on student achievement during the pandemic All point to bigger declines in math and widening achievement gaps. The Straits Times: More than counselling: How schools help students with mental health woes Longstanding ecosystems of support are available for students in Singapore that support their mental well-being. The Straits Times: Prolonged school disruption due to COVID-19 hits the livelihoods of millions in India With schools in India still closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the knock-on effect is that businesses based around education – from equipment to uniforms – are struggling to survive. The Conversation: 5 tips from a play therapist to help kids express themselves and unwind Fantasy play, painting, playing made-up games and building with blocks are a few examples of free play. Environmental Leader: Deloitte rolls out climate education programme to its 330,000 employees The climate literacy programme for all of its 330,000 employees may be the most ambitious corporate sustainability education initiative yet. Times Higher Education: Higher education is entrenching limited thinking on climate change Students are not being pushed to consider imaginative ideas that would truly tackle global warming, argues Peter Sutoris.