Equality for Women Measure E.L.L.E. Project

Presentation byJennifer D’Arcy

to Irish Presidency 2013

Gender Equality Conference‘Women’s Economic Engagement and the Europe 2020 Agenda’

29th and 30th April 2013

People and Communities Working Together

The E.L.L.E. ProjectEducation and Life-long Learning for Employment for Women

Aim:The aim of this initiative is to

engage with women on a practical level who are experiencing multiple forms of disadvantage and who are most distant from economic activity and provide them with options to participate in pre-development and accredited courses in order to facilitate their progression in to further education and employment.  

Key Features: • Outreach • Needs identification

and activation• Pre- development• Needs led tailor made

interventions • Referral

Outreach • Targeted households called to and information regarding

the ELLE initiative distributed.• Women contacted and accessed through community based

services, schools, Local Employment Service, and Co. Wicklow VEC Adult Guidance Service.

• Advertisements in local news papers and press releases to local papers.

• Advertisement of programme through local community groups, Co. Wicklow VEC, FÁS, and Department of Social Protection – posters/flyers etc , e-newsletters.

• Over 950 women accessed through outreach.

Time Frame: July 2011 – November 2013147 women participated inthe programme betweenJuly 2011 and November 2012.

Courses:

• Basic Computers – FETAC Level 3• IT – FETAC Level 4 • Career Coaching • ECDL (Full)• Exploring Options• CV Preparation and Interview Skills• Considering Self Employment • Women Into Business • Budgeting and Nutrition• Social and Personal Development Programme for Women with

Disabilities

Key findings from outreach and engagement to date: • Positive response to programmes available• Transferable skills• Desire amongst participants to advance and progress

within and from courses.• Need to gain more information around options available.• Build on networking and friendships developed through

participation in programme.• Providing opportunities to facilitate progression pathways• Low confidence and self-esteem are still very important

issues and barriers to women’s participation• Taster programmes are crucial acting as a catalyst for

women to progress into accredited training.

Policy Conclusions: • Childcare• Language• Outreach • Partnership • Programme Planning and Development • Progression and Support