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Description
There is a lack of opportunities for access to the typical labor market as a result of, among others, the following: • Quantitative and qualitative mismatch between the supply and labor market demand • Lack of basic professional qualifications and skills due to insufficient integration into the education system • Absence or decrease of sufficient qualifications or skills due to physical or mental disability. • Social stigma. • Lack of uninterrupted communication with the wider environment and ignorance of the public institutions that are responsible to inform about the labor market conditions and to intervene in the seek of employment. • Lack of access to the labor market and assistance to maintain the job. To address these issues, the Association will implement a pilot plan for an ”EMPLOYMENT REINTEGRATION GROUP ” for the unemployed / poor parents it supports.
The group will be coordinated by a Social Worker and a Psychologist. The aim is to support the parents in such a way that they will, by the means of the assistance provided to them, become autonomous, gain self-sufficiency, gain economic and emotional efficiency, be released from the dependence on charity and to reintegrate into the social development. This group will help unemployed parents to evaluate their strength and potential, develop work confidence and, through their rehabilitation, to socially redefine and reintegrate.
By the end of the workshops, the 10 parents belonging to vulnerable social groups (long-term unemployed, illiterate, with health problems and mentally handicapped) will be trained for their financial empowerment.
Summary of project results
In 2019, the gender gap in financial literacy between men and women was a well-documented global reality, and in Greece, it stood at approximately 3 percentage points (45% for men compared to 42% for women, already a low percentage among OECD countries). Despite living, on average, longer than men and facing economic challenges due to their interrupted participation in the workforce, the wage gap, and the resulting disparity in their pensions, women consistently exhibited less financial knowledge, lower self-confidence, and fewer opportunities to make financial decisions compared to men.
The project "Economics Lessons" aimed to partially bridge this gap by creating a guide for trainers who would teach financial literacy to women, especially those from vulnerable social groups (unemployed, low-income, single-parent leaders). The project also involved conducting a pilot workshop for prospective trainers and a pilot workshop for beneficiaries. This initiative served the dual purpose of initiating the dissemination of the guide and evaluating its effectiveness.
The Work Reintegration Group, comprising mothers facing various challenges such as unemployment, destitution, social exclusion, single parenthood, children with severe health problems, and diagnosed psychological issues, aimed to explore their past employment-seeking efforts and the obstacles encountered. The initiative sought to provide a safe space for open communication, particularly in the challenging context of the pandemic, addressing both financial and psychological burdens. The group spanned over 3 months, during which specific practices were implemented to assist mothers in adapting to the evolving conditions of the labor market.
During the Work Reintegration Group for Mothers Facing Multiple Challenges, participants engaged in a series of targeted activities designed to empower and equip them for the job market. The key outcomes of these activities included:
Self-Exploration: Mothers actively engaged in self-exploration, where they identified both their strengths and weaknesses. This process involved recognizing character and personality elements that significantly influenced their journey in seeking employment.
Skills and Abilities Assessment: Through a comprehensive assessment, mothers meticulously identified and evaluated their skills, abilities, interests, and values. This introspection assisted them in making more informed decisions about suitable employment opportunities, aligning their personal strengths with potential career paths.
Curriculum Vitae (CV) Composition: A significant achievement emerged as three out of ten mothers successfully crafted their own CVs for the first time. This accomplishment not only marked a milestone but also enhanced their ability to present themselves effectively in the competitive job market.
Interview Techniques Training: Mothers actively participated in training sessions focused on interview techniques. These sessions provided valuable insights into effective strategies for job interviews, contributing to the enhancement of their overall employability. The acquired skills aimed to empower mothers to navigate interviews confidently and leave a lasting positive impression on potential employers.
Despite the challenging circumstances, the project succeeded in empowering 10 women to overcome obstacles in their pursuit of employment. By fostering self-awareness, skill identification, and practical training, the group aimed to equip these mothers with the necessary tools to navigate the evolving labor market effectively. This initiative not only addressed immediate concerns related to employment but also aimed to contribute to the long-term well-being and resilience of mothers facing complex life circumstances.