Description
This project aims to provide comprehensive care to immigrant women through training in social skills, language, and knowledge of the legal and labor environment in Spain. It is offering counseling and training activities directed towards the professional staff training of immigrant women in order to promote their (re-) entry into the world socio-labor, using various empowerment strategies such as counseling or coaching staff and professional, psychological interview, analysis of specific needs or training for employment and self-employment, literacy, technological literacy.
Summary of project results
According to the Living Conditions Survey, 1 out of 4 people in Spain live under the poverty line, a problem that is more acute among immigrants and women. In the majority of cases, immigrant women do not possess solid academic or vocational training and do not have family support networks for child care. "AIMISOLA" aimed to alleviate this situation by addressing the socio-labour integration of immigrant women lacking resources, through a training program that integrates personal skills with more specific and targeted professional self employment ones. The program has been developed in cooperation with different local entities, social and private organisations in the regions of Madrid, Andalusia, Catalonia, Castilla la Mancha, and Leon, Aragon and Melilla; and internationally with the University of Bergen. An additional objective was the collaboration and exchange of experiences with the Norwegian partner and partner organisations. The program has been developed around three main areas: career counselling and mediation, cooperation with social partners and awareness raising. The first area has mainly consisted in training activities and assistance in job searching. In addition, placement activities have been performed with companies, mainly in the service sector. Regarding cooperation, planning meetings and participatory assessments have been held with partners and collaborators, including local agents; additionally, 2 seminars to exchange good practices and mutual learning with the Norwegian partner have been held. Finally, various meetings have been held to raise awareness on gender-related issues. Counselling and integral support activities have reached 457 beneficiaries (23 men). 35% of the beneficiaries have started to work as employees and 5% have become self-employees. Promotion and awareness-raising activities through various media and social networks have emphasised cultural diversity, the role of immigrant women in society and equal opportunities between women and men (4,000 beneficiaries).
Summary of bilateral results
The donor partner, Bergen University, has participated in the management and development of a best practice report for integration of immigrant women into the work life in Norway. It was presented in Norway in August 2015. Two Norwegian companies were also involved (ProGressilje Grastveit and Fosswincelsgate 55), which enhanced the visibility of the project. The responsible from bergen University involved in the Project, Elisabeth Nesheim, also participated in the final seminar in Madrid, in October, and agreed to future colaborations with the project promoter.