On March 9th, a networking event was held in Zenica under the project “Leadership is for EveryOne.” The event brought together 36 young people from diverse backgrounds who were all interested in learning more about the “LEO” project. The aim of the event was to introduce the participants to the project and its objectives, goals, and previously implemented activities but also inform them about future activities such as job shadowing and internship program.
This was the first networking event held as part of the project “LEO,” and it consisted of two parts: a discussion part and a networking part. In the first part, speakers discussed women’s leadership and empowerment, as well as men’s active participation in the process and strengthening synergies between youth work and the labor market, all of which are the goals of the project. The speaker provided insight into how society as a whole should support women’s empowerment and break the stereotypes that have a negative impact on both men and women. They also shared the experiences of previous project participants, which encouraged other attendees to get engaged and apply for the upcoming activities, which would benefit their personal and professional growth.
In the second part of the event, attendees and speakers had the opportunity to network and connect with each other. They were able to exchange ideas and contact information. This networking event served as a safe space for people to exchange their opinions and previous experience which has lived up to the idea of the ‘’LEO’’ project as a whole. The networking had positive effects which were reflected through the formation of collaborations that will be nurtured in the future.
The networking event was a success since it provided young people with useful and relevant information about the “LEO” project as well as the chance to connect with other young people and discuss ideas and experiences. It has gradually helped to promote the project, but more importantly, it has raised awareness about the important topic that the project is seeking to cover, and it has motivated young people to become a part of the empowering story that the “LEO” project is.
More about LEO project:
Women’s empowerment is a prerequisite for gender equality, according to the CoE Gender Equality Strategy 2018-2023. Even when girls demonstrate leadership abilities or hold positions of power, the world fails to make them feel good because the mind model that we have is gendered “male.” As a result, when girls adopt such a model, claiming that leaders are bold and make difficult decisions, they may experience cognitive Men outnumber women in leadership positions in every sector of the world, including business, nonprofits, government, education, medicine, the military, and religion This gender gap, often referred to with the metaphor “glass ceiling”, represents one of the most critical challenges to achieve gender equity and allow equitable working opportunities to all genders
The project aims at enhancing women’s leadership, developing NFE resources for youth workers and young people, promoting men’s involvement in women’s empowerment, and strengthening the synergies between youth work and the labour market.
And specific call’s thematic areas:
- inclusion of young people with fewer opportunities;
- empowerment / engagement / employability of young people;
- anti-discrimination and gender equality;
Overall, the LEO project efficiently contributes to the global effort to achieve gender equity and meets the EU Gender Equality Strategy Key Actions 2020-2025 (challenging gender stereotypes, boosting women’s economic empowerment, ensuring equal opportunities in the labour market). Moreover, the project addresses many of the general and specific call’s objectives, ensuring its quality and relevance.