Problem addressed

The project "BBE Woman Empowerment" works in cooperation with the ESF+ and the City of Vienna (Magistratsabteilung 40 – Soziales, Sozial- und Gesundheitsrecht) and supports women affected by intersectional discrimination. 
These women are disadvantaged not only because of their gender but also due to low levels of (formal) education and are mainly coming from financially and socially disadvantaged families. 
Many participants also face discrimination due to their migration background and/or their religious affiliation on a daily basis. Many of the women are single mothers, occupy subordinate roles in patriarchal family systems, or lack a supportive family network entirely.

At the time of joining the project, the target group is receiving Vienna's minimum income support, has at least one child under three years old, and is not jet registered as a job seeker with the Employment Service (AMS). This group is at risk of or already experiencing poverty, which makes the project and its agenda a notable social innovation.

Innovative solution

Participation in the program is voluntary. The first step in the program is to create a safe space where the women can feel comfortable and where trust between advisors and participants can be quickly established. Building a support system with the help of advisors and fellow participants, sharing experiences, and engaging in joint leisure activities also means breaking out of isolation and laying a strong foundation for empowerment and future career prospects. 

The intercultural and multidisciplinary team of female advisors at BBE Woman Empowerment provides support in individual and group settings and in cooperation with other organizations and institutions. 
They assist in claiming available financial entitlements, securing livelihoods, and preventing imminent homelessness. 
They also help in finding German courses, training opportunities, childcare places, and employment. Additionally, they address questions about residency permits in Austria, physical and mental health issues, parenting, partnerships, and other relevant topics. Anti-discriminatory attitudes are at the forefront, encouraging a self-determined life with equal opportunities and ecological and economic sustainability. Free on-site childcare is provided, allowing mothers to participate in this program without disruption. 

Key results and benefits

Creating a safe space, establishing trustful relationships, and empowering through interactions and exchange with advisors and other program participants accelerates the process of activating and opening up women to new opportunities. Women are empowered and willing to hear and accept the options available to them, and very quickly take responsibility and the first steps towards a better future. Our results show that in the first eight months of the project 29.46% of participants enrolled in educational programs, gained employment or express willingness to register with the employment office.  This approach facilitates the work of official institutions and accelerates the integration process of this vulnerable group into the job market. It has also been noticed that introduction of complex topics such as equality, ecology, and digitalization has been successful when a prior relationship of trust has been developed and the content has been tailored to the target group and their individual needs.

Potential for mainstreaming

Adapting this program and implementing it in local communities can be beneficial on both economic and social level. ZiB Training's extensive experience in working with the target group, as well as cooperation with local institutions, highlight the importance of mutual collaboration in achieving goals and creating a sustainable future for both institutions and an equal society. Creating local projects and interconnecting them across Europe, along with exchanging experiences and creating support mechanisms, would benefit local institutions by relieving their burden, empowering the economy, and creating opportunities for the most vulnerable groups in the system. Empowering mothers also means creating a strong foundation and better prospects for their children, who will go on to shape our future.