Description
The project, 'Network MEMA', supports and promotes the participation of women in (local) economic development within Slovenian regions by establishing regional councils of women as part of regional development bodies. To enable cooperation, e-learning and networking, the multimedia portal www.network-mema.com is established. An assessment of the position of women and their economic potential will be delivered through research and analysis. The results will represent the basis for the creation of specific actions in regions and on national level. These will be presented in a publication and in a separate guide to disseminate broadly the results and to suggest measures. The exchange of good practices from Norway will contribute to the development of women's entrepreneurship and Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in Slovenia, especially experience with a model for a start-up supporting center for women. The international expertise of the Norwegian partner contribute to the elaboration of the model for such a supporting center, which will be executed in next phases of the project. The partner's international experience is also very valuable. All project partners contribute their knowledge and experiences in a spirit of cooperation. The partnerships will establish new opportunities for exchange and cooperation, especially dedicated to women in innovation and intercultural exchange. The Network Mema is a cross-sectional project aiming not only at empowering female economic potential, but also at more involvement by women in decision-making processes and the development of strategies and adequate support measures. Using the digital technology as a tool for more (inter)national cooperation in the sector and wider dissemination of knowledge and experience, we expect more international partnership and exchanges to result from the project activities.
Summary of project results
Women are not decisions makers on the local or regional level. To understand, which measures and strategies should be applied to improve economic and social impact an overview of their economic potential is necessary we delivered a field research with analysis. Comparison of economic impact confirmed the importance of stimulating business environment, coworking and mentorship. Involving women representatives in the process of strategies and development is necessary. The impact. “Entrepreneurial education for women with tertiary education”. Started in2016 provided for 410 unemployed women education and mentorship along with subsidy of 5000 EUR. Specificly: greater awareness on gender equality and greater involvement of women in SME, several national measures were applied The project outcomes: Increased understanding of equal/unequal power relations through communication with stakeholders as an ongoing activity; Analysis on women in the economy a served as the basis for proposals ; Events, meetings, seminars in all regions. All together more than 30 events; Cooperating group members; A network of regional organization of entrepreneurs of SMEs. The Community of women entrepreneurs has started activity in 2017 as a result of project network activity. Model of coworking, the promotion innovation and internationalization and networking with similar organizations in Norway and around the world. Serves as the role model for local actions in some of municipalities. Objective: To prepare a paper illustrating the status of women in Slovenia in the field of decision-making in the economy and wider (in terms of leadership and management positions, which are currently occupied by women in Slovenia). Beneficiaries were women of different status and professions in local and regional environment in Slovenia, who are interested in active involvement in social and economic development, job creation and sustainability, but have less access to the decision making process. The benefits and results of project were improved cooperation between women, improvement of the use of IT in the network and the established community of women entrepreneurs in Slovenia, who are aiming at international cooperation and exchange also in the future. The donor partnership achieved access to new potential development projects in the Eastern European region, especially in Slovenia, Croatia an potentially in Hungary.
Summary of bilateral results
Partnership Network MEMA main achievements on the bilateral level are: comparison of two supporting business environment and initiative for improvement in Slovenia; good practice exchange: models developed by Norwegian partners in Norway, Kosovo and Banja Luka. Potential extension of partnership to next projects. Yes – formal and at hoc exchange and collaboration, which we have developed through the cooperation especially in including Norwegian partner in other international activities, developed in Slovenia (Danube Region etc.) Bilateral partnership is excellent case of developing new innovative ideas for support for beneficiaries and society.