Description
Building on a previous project, this project facilitated the employment of women, including the integration of Ukrainian female refugees into the Polish labour market, by increasing knowledge among employers and female workers about efficient tools to enable women to reconcile work and children.
Training and counselling activities were targeted at a group of Polish and Ukrainian women, but the project also strengthened tripartite cooperation on active labour market measures (ALMPs) to make it possible for women to enter and remain in work. The partnership with the Norwegian partner NHO continued exchanging experience on work-life balance measures in Norwegian enterprises and work-life.
The following activities were carried out:
- A pilot training course for 36 Polish and 20 Ukrainian women who are mothers of small children and intend to become employed. Courses on work-life balance, negotiation, etc. and individual counselling for Ukrainian women.
- A Report of good practices on the topic: "Support for Ukrainian mothers on the labour market in Poland" as an e-book in Polish and English version.
- a two-days Conference "Groups excluded from the labour market" with 40 participants from Norwegian Partner, social partners and public authorities
- Campaign in the media (press, internet, social media)
- a three-days study visit for 15 representatives of board members, managers and PLL staff to learn about Norwegian good practices in ALMP measures and solutions facilitating access to employment of women who are supposed to reconcile the role of a mother and an employee, with emphasis on mothers who are refugees or migrants.-
Summary of project results
The project addressed the integration of Ukrainian female refugees into the Polish labour market, particularly those who are mothers. It also focused on achieving a work-life balance for women, especially mothers, to help them reconcile their roles as employees and mothers. Additionally, the project sought to tackle unemployment among women, including refugees, and to facilitate their access to employment. Another challenge was raising awareness and fostering cooperation among social partners, such as employers, trade unions, and public authorities, on active labour market policies (ALMPs) to support women''s employment. The project also aimed to contribute to socio-economic development by improving working conditions and employee motivation, which is crucial for the local economy.
It conducted pilot training courses for 36 Polish and 20 Ukrainian women who are mothers of small children. These courses included work-life balance, negotiation, and individual counselling for Ukrainian women. A report titled "Support for Ukrainian mothers on the labour market in Poland" was prepared and made available as an e-book in both Polish and English. The project also organised a two-day conference on "Groups excluded from the labour market" with participants, including representatives from the Norwegian partner, social partners, and public authorities. A media campaign was launched in the press, on the internet, and on social media to raise awareness about the project and its objectives. Additionally, a three-day study visit was arranged for representatives of board members, managers, and PLL staff to learn about Norwegian good practices in ALMP measures and solutions for facilitating women''s employment.
The project received positive feedback from Ukrainian women who participated in the training and planned to start their own businesses, as well as from Polish women who felt supported by the programme. The project inspired social partners and employers who participated in the study visit in Norway and the conference in Poland. It contributed to reducing unemployment among women, including refugees. The project raised awareness about the employment challenges faced by mothers, and highlighted the connection between employee motivation and working conditions. It also established and strengthened relationships with the Norwegian partner (NHO) and other social partners, enhancing cooperation and trust. The project contributed to the development of ALMP measures with the involvement of social partners and encouraged activities that facilitate employment access. Furthermore, it enabled the employers'' organisation to create and organise training for potential employees and entrepreneurs, building mutual trust between employees and employers.
The primary beneficiaries of the project were Ukrainian and Polish women, especially those who are mothers and refugees. Social partners, including employers, trade unions, and public authorities, also benefited from the project. Employers'' organisations and their members gained from the training and improved cooperation with public institutions and authorities
Summary of bilateral results
The project promoter reported that they learned from the Norwegian partner about Actve Labour Market Policy measures and careers of women in Norway, including for women refugees.