Supporting women at work: Minister White announces funding boost.
Published: Monday, October 04, 2010
Statement by Mary White - Minister of state with responsibility for Equality, Integration and Human Rights.
43 projects across Ireland to receive funding of up to €50,000 each
Minister of State for Equality, Integration and Human Rights Mary White has announced that she is making approximately €1.9 million in grant funding available to 43 projects under the Equality for Women Measure (EWM) 2010-2013
The projects will enable a mix of community groups and national bodies to provide developmental support and training for women currently outside the labour market with a view to helping them return to work; or to support female entrepreneurs or to help advance the development of women already in the workforce.
Minister of State White said that she was delighted with the response to the call for funding applications. Overall, 190 project proposals had been received from all parts of the country. The Minister welcomed the ongoing support of the European Social Fund for this measure and noted the commitment of the European Union to the advancement of gender equality to underpin economic growth and social inclusion.
Minister of State White said: "The Equality for Women Measure helps women take control of their economic lives through training and support to develop employment and enterprise opportunities. The 43 projects that have been successful under the Equality for Women Measure programme will offer over 1,800 wome12px;">Minister of State White said that she was delighted with the response to the call for funding applications. Overall, 190 project proposals had been received from all parts of the country. The Minister welcomed the ongoing support of the European Social Fund for this measure and noted the commitment of the European Union to the advancement of gender equality to underpin economic growth and social inclusion.
"The Equality for Women Measure helps women take control of their economic lives through training and support to develop employment and enterprise opportunities. The 43 projects that have been successful under the Equality for Women Measure programme will offer over 1,800 women a variety of training and support options to enable them to prepare for employment, starting a business or advance their careers. Ultimately, it enables women to think about where they want to be and what they want to achieve."
Minister White commented that, since she was appointed to her current position, she welcomed the opportunities she had to meet with women from all communities across Ireland. She continues to find a great dynamism at local level and expressed the hope that the projects now being identified for funding would continue to foster that dynamism for the women across our country.
Minister White noted the diversity of the project types such as projects to support migrant and refugee women, women from the Traveller community, but also projects involving universities and institutes of technology as well as community organisations. She also hopes that those delivering the projects would find fulfilment in their important roles.
Minister White also emphasised the importance of the EWM in making a real contribution to strengthening gender equality. It also contributes to the implementation of the National Women's Strategy 2007-2016 by targeting women who want to achieve economic independence.