Description
The project will focus on researching the ways in which the social networks and the internet can fight employment inequalities and promote new opportunities for entrepreneuship and self employment among women and young girls. New ways of improving employability and profitability through the use of new technologies will be located, documented and disseminated. The project will include a documentation and evaluation of existing opportunities available through online networks, tools and marketplaces, as well as vocational and educational social networks and e-learning platforms. A parallel scientific research will record and analyse the current use of the internet for employment purposes as well as the awareness of young people in Greece about employability opportunities offered by the internet, social networks and new technologies, emphasizing on social aspects. A scientific analysis of rising job insecurity and unemployment among women, with a focus on female youth unemployment will be carried out. The key motivation for the project is to address from a research / scientific perspective the rising social and income inequalities in Greece as a result of the ongoing economic crisis. The main aim is to produce informational and educational packages and organise pilot seminars on the latest trends on how to improve employability and self employment and self promotion through the internet and social networks. Finally a feasibility study leading to the formulation of specifications for the creation of a research and innovation centre for women will be elaborated, in collaboration with the Norwegian partner ECWT, transferring the know-how and technical experience.
Summary of project results
In the existing problem of lack of ICT executives in the European labour market it is added the problem of low representation of women in jobs related to ICT. In Greece this problem is even more intense as a result of the economic conditions in the last six years. The project involved the detection and evaluation of the existing possibilities provided by digital tools, as well as professional, educational, social networking platforms and e-learning. A parallel research analyzed the current use of the internet for employability purposes and awareness of young women in Greece.The following has been produced: • A research on the impact of ICT • A research on social and gender equality aspects, security of social networks for women, women’s empowerment and e-mentoring techniques • A research on the possible ways for the adaptation of traditional economic practices with internet capacities and social media The project had an immediate effect firstly on the women that were invited to participate in the research, since the message of Innovation and Employability for Women project was distributed to thousands of-mostly-women potentially participants, resulting to achieve the project’s goal for 1,000 questionnaires submitted. The research indicated that, although women believe that they are as capable as men to lead a business, very few choose to start a business in the ICT. The project also showed actions that can promote the participation of women in technology and entrepreneurship, such as: Acquaintance with role models for women is essential The project’s results were presented to a multi oriented audience (Final Conference) with the participation of distinguished speakers and guests, giving the opportunity to discuss results and proposals to improve the use of technology tools and other means for improving women’s employability. The most important outcome of the project was the development of the feasibility study for the creation of a Business Innovation Center (BIC) which will create a common platform targeting the sustainability and the permanent cooperation via BIC. This consists a common goal for all the beneficiaries of the project as it will allow to cooperate together technical people, researchers, policy makers and women. The enhanced courses on the new digital skills consist of a very imoptant impact of the project.
Summary of bilateral results
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