EmpowerHER: Bridging the Gender Divide
KA153: Mobility of Youth Workers
Project Reference: 2023-3-EL02-KA153-YOU-000180797
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Summary
Objectives
The primary goal of the "EmpowerHER: Bridging the Gender Divide" project was to address the disparity between men and women in professional sectors and to empower youth workers to become active advocates of gender equality. Through the project, youth workers enhanced their understanding of gender inequalities, developed skills in addressing these challenges, and gained tools to support women and young girls in their local communities.
The key objectives of the project were:
1. To increase awareness of discrimination faced by women in the labor market.
2. To foster a deeper understanding of the experiences of women entrepreneurs and promote female entrepreneurship.
3. To create networking opportunities for women to connect and collaborate.
4. To equip youth workers with practical tools to empower women and promote their leadership.
5. To encourage community-level initiatives that actively reduce the gender gap and support women’s professional growth.
By achieving these objectives, the project sought to empower participants to implement inclusive practices, promote gender equality, and create a ripple effect of positive change within their communities.
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Activities
The main activity of the "EmpowerHER: Bridging the Gender Divide" project was a comprehensive 7-day training course that took place in Kalamata, Greece, from April 21 to April 27, 2024. The training aimed to enhance youth workers' awareness and competencies in addressing gender inequalities, promoting women’s empowerment, and fostering female entrepreneurship.
The training included:
1. Icebreakers and name games to build rapport among participants.
2. A "world café" initiative to explore key themes related to women’s empowerment.
3. Group discussions on the gender gap and brainstorming sessions for solutions.
4. Visits to local businesses and establishments owned by women to provide real-world insights.
5. Dynamic role-playing scenarios that delved into the experiences of women facing professional and societal challenges.
6. Case studies on women’s entrepreneurial ventures, showcasing success stories and lessons learned.
7. Interactive card games exploring aspects of entrepreneurship.
8. Hands-on sessions for developing and presenting startup concepts.
9. Collaborative production of tangible outputs such as the She Leads: A Toolkit for Advancing Women'sLeadership and Entrepreneurship
The project involved 32 participants: 30 youth workers and 2 expert trainers. These youth workers were selected from 10 partner organizations across Europe, including Greece, Malta, North Macedonia, Portugal, Czech Republic, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, Montenegro, Bulgaria, and Romania. The participating youth workers were a mix of experienced and less-experienced individuals.
The participants were youth workers committed to supporting women in their communities. They were selected based on their English proficiency, cultural sensitivity, communication and leadership skills, and their passion for creating inclusive environments. Their diverse backgrounds and dedication ensured a rich and dynamic learning experience.
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Results and Impact
The "EmpowerHER: Bridging the Gender Divide" project achieved multifaceted results and had a significant impact on its participants, their organizations, and the wider community.
Results:
1. Enhanced Skills and Knowledge: Youth workers developed a deeper understanding of gender inequality and discrimination, as well as practical tools to address these issues. They also acquired competencies in promoting female entrepreneurship and advocating for women’s empowerment.
2. Creation of Outputs: The project produced a collaborative publication that highlights strategies for empowering women and the importance of entrepreneurship as a tool for reducing gender disparities.
3. Networking and Collaboration: Participants built cross-cultural networks, fostering collaboration between youth workers and organizations across Europe. These connections are expected to lead to future initiatives supporting gender equality.
4. Organizational Skills Development: Participating organizations gained valuable experience in implementing gender-related initiatives and strengthened their capacity to address issues of inequality through structured programs and collaborative efforts.
5. Increased Awareness: The project raised awareness among youth workers and their communities about the challenges faced by women, encouraging action to reduce the gender gap.
Impact:
1. Community-Level Change: Equipped with new skills and tools, participants can initiate awareness campaigns and activities in their local communities, addressing gender inequality and promoting inclusive practices.
2. Ripple Effect: By sharing the knowledge and tools gained during the training, participants can inspire others in their communities to advocate for gender equality and support women’s professional development.
3. Organizational Development: Partner organizations benefited from capacity-building opportunities, enhancing their ability to design and implement projects that promote gender equality. The strengthened connections among partner organizations fostered knowledge-sharing and the development of best practices.
4. Networking Among Organizations: The project facilitated the exchange of ideas and strategies among partner organizations, enabling them to collaborate on future initiatives and amplify their collective impact.
5. Long-Term Influence: The project contributed to fostering a culture of equality and inclusion, with youth workers and organizations acting as multipliers, implementing initiatives that will have lasting effects on their communities.
In summary, the project empowered participants and organizations alike, creating a foundation for sustainable action toward gender equality and women’s empowerment. ​
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TANGIBLE RESULT
The She Leads: A Toolkit for Advancing Women's Leadership and Entrepreneurship.
Download it here:
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Partners
Culti Multi 🇬🇷 Greece (coordinator)
Asociatia DAR DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION 🇷🇴 Romania
ASSOCIACAO MAIS CIDADANIA 🇵🇹 Portugal
BOSNIAN REPRESENTATIVE ASSOCIATION FOR VALUABLE OPPORTUNITIES 🇧🇦 Bosnia & Herzegovina
BRNO FOR YOU ZS 🇨🇿 Czechia
NGO TRAINING CENTER TARABA 🇲🇪 Montenegro
PRISMS 🇲🇹 Malta
SDRUZHENIE WALK TOGETHER 🇧🇬 Bulgaria
Udruzenje gradjana Sofinatass 🇷🇸 Serbia
Youth association Info front - Prilep 🇲🇰 North Macedonia
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See some pictures from the activities here: https://photos.app.goo.gl/rjSkrgySzBLY9oX67
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Watch the videos of the activity here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I6XVnpJv-Pk&list=PL4GX5MzScnuV3g09kr9aF4VLrMlXPZjeZ
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This project is been funded with support from the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained there in.
