Equality For Women
The Equality for Women Measure is funded by the European Social Fund under the Human Capital Investment Programme. Its aims and objectives link closely with the National Women’s Strategy.
The aim of the initiative is to enhance the skills and qualifications of women thereby assisting their progression options, and improving their labour market readiness.
The islands applied for funding under Phase one of the measure, which was expected to roll out from 2008 to 2011.
The uncertain economic climate has resulted in a scaling down of the measure for the present and applicants for funding were contacted and asked to submit revised proposals for small scale funding to support women residing in areas of disadvantage.
Comhar na nOileán received initial funding of €30,000 late in 2009 to enable it to carry out an audit of education and skills of island women, as well as analysing future training needs.
When this work was completed it was decided to apply for a continuation of the funding to broaden the scope of the work.
Comhar na nOileán has received approval from the Department of Community, Equality & Gaeltacht Affairs enabling it to access additional funds.
This new allocation will be used to carry out an investigation into labour market inequalities as they affect women on the offshore islands.
Staff members will be in contact with island organisations over the coming period.
They will also contact both women’s groups and individual island women to include a wide range of experiences in the study.
We would like to extend the Winning New Opportunities programme which has been described as uplifting and energising to more island women over the next few months.