Description
The main objective of the project is the strengthening of NGO activity as regards gender equality, through the mainstreaming of gender issues in their practices. A social consultancy office will be created to support NGOs, headed by a specialist in gender equality issues, with national coverage, available through direct phone line and website. A practical framework for the implementation of gender equality policies will also be developed and tested. Under the project there will also be training actions involving NGO leaders, staff and volunteers, discussion workshops and a national seminar which shall include the presentation of the project’s outcomes. The project partners will be responsible for monitoring and evaluating the Azores Regional Government on equal opportunities policies, as well as support the project activities in the region, and select and monitor NGOs in this region, within the scope of the project.
Summary of project results
The Social and Solidarity Sector encompasses distinct activities and forms of organisation and lacks methodologies to deal with gender equality (GE) in a tailored way to the diverse situations, capable of inducing organisational change and contributing to its modernisation and sustainability. NGOs need knowledge, motivation and tools to approach the theme. Mechanisms of integration of GE should be supplied to NGO managers and professionals to improve working conditions, ensure the reconciliation of work with family and personal life and the exercise of parenting. On the other hand, competences should be provided allowing them to incorporate the principle of GE while implementing their activities and projects among their target groups. The project has trained 165 NGO staff, leaders and volunteers on gender equality issues, surpassing by far the initial target. The project covered the Portuguese mainland and the Azores and included 9 training actions, 4 work journeys, 9 workshops on GE good practices, the production of a manual on how to implement and manage the GE principle in NGOs, and the creation of a Social Support Office offering legal and pedagogical support to NGOs on those issues. The dissemination of the manual on GE principle (and training on its contents) and the service provided by the Social Support Office are expected to be the basis of the project sustainability.
Summary of bilateral results