ProjectSEGIEFor a Social Economy that reduces Gender Inequalities in Europe Gender stereotypes and discriminationWomen's economic empowermentWomen’s RightsPartnerEMPOW HER GLOBAL , ACUBE SOCIETA' BENEFIT SRL , UNIVERSIDADE NOVA DE LISBOA DonorEuropean Social FundStakeholders Investors, Start-up, Foundations, Local Experts, Companies, EntrepreneursObjective of the projectWe aim to leverage the power of the social economy in Europe to tackle gender inequalities by developing methodologies that fully account for gender dimensions, while also contributing to the emergence and strengthening of the most inclusive businesses in Italy, France, and PortugalAbstract of the projectThe project arises from the need to study and deepen the impact of the social economy (SE) on women’s empowerment and the reduction of gender inequalities, as well as to raise awareness and develop practical tools to harness the potential of the European SE ecosystem. To this end, the project aims to achieve the following objectives:– Develop new data and investigate the impact of the SE on gender equality to identify areas for improvement and to increase awareness and understanding among SE stakeholders on this issue.– Create practical educational content to assist European social enterprises in promoting more gender-equitable practices and developing fairer, more women-inclusive business models.– Facilitate the establishment of 30 women-inclusive businesses in France, Italy, and Portugal to create a broader ripple effect on women’s economic empowerment and highlight business leaders who are paving the way towards a more inclusive European social economy.Context analysisIn Europe, the social economy (“SE”) sector is leading the transition towards a more sustainable and inclusive economy. Recent reports emphasize the need for better integration of women and gender minorities within the SE, especially as social entrepreneurs. While the SE is thriving in Europe and driving new solutions to major social and environmental challenges, it also bears the responsibility to foster positive change for everyone, without disadvantaging women and other minorities.Paris, FranceLisboa, PortugalMilano, Metropolitan City of Milan, ItalyThe project activities will be implemented in Italy, France and Portugal.Implementation Period 26/07/2023 - 25/07/2025BeneficiariesDirect300 social enterprises and organizations operating in Italy, France, and Portugal for the dissemination of 4 manuals.30 teams involved in the incubation program.Indirectvulnerable women and gender minorities. Project StrategyActivitiesInvestigation and study on how the needs of women and gender minorities are considered by European social economy enterprises and how these enterprises play a role in creating positive changes in their lives.Creation of four handbooks on pedagogical content as practical tools to reduce gender inequalities.Three incubation programs aimed at creating 30 women-led social enterprises.Webinars on the content of the four pedagogical manuals and a final event in the three countries with local stakeholders.Publication of recommendations for the social economy and European policies to adopt an inclusive approach for women and gender minorities. OutputsEuropean study investigating the needs of women and gender minorities and how these are considered by social enterprises;4 manuals with pedagogical content to provide practical tools;1 database with 60 European contacts of experts in the field of inclusion, to be used in the incubation program;1 social incubation program to identify and support 30 gender-inclusive social enterprises;1 policy recommendations report that, through an intersectional and feminist analytical approach, identifies areas for improvement in key European policies and contributes to reducing gender inequalities and empowering women and gender minorities economically. OutcomesIncreased awareness of the opportunities and challenges related to the potential of the social economy sector in impacting gender equity and economic empowerment, to improve the integration of women and gender minorities and foster new women-led social enterprises;Creation of methodologies applicable to all social enterprises;Contributing to the emergence of inclusive enterprises that serve as examples and can be replicated on a large scale.