Author name: Joana

The Cyprus HERA Labs pilot programme concluded successfully on 1 July 2026 in Nicosia, marking the completion of a six-month journey that empowered women aged 45 and over to rediscover their strengths, build new skills, and develop personal pathways towards employment and lifelong learning. Implemented by BK Plus and facilitated by Panikos Argyridis, the programme delivered 15 sessions that combined mutual support, learning, reflection, and personal development within the HERA methodology.  Throughout the programme, 15 women actively participated, with every participant successfully completing the pilot and receiving a certificate of participation during the final celebratory session. Their commitment and consistent attendance reflected both their determination and the supportive learning environment that developed throughout the programme.  Recruitment was carried out through collaboration with the Municipality of Nicosia, local employment services, and word-of-mouth recommendations. While engaging women in a six-month commitment initially presented some challenges, perseverance from the project team, together with growing interest from the local community, resulted in a highly motivated and engaged group that embraced the opportunity for personal and professional development.  The programme followed the structured HERA methodology, beginning with activities that fostered mutual aid, trust, and peer support. These early sessions created a safe environment where participants could openly share experiences, learn from one another, and establish meaningful connections that continued throughout the pilot.  Building on this foundation, participants progressed through the Learning to Learn phase, developing the knowledge, confidence, and transferable skills needed to support their personal reinvention. Through a series of interactive workshops, they explored new ways of learning, reflected on their existing capabilities, strengthened key competences, and gained practical tools that can support both future employment and continued education. These activities followed the HERA methodology, designed to encourage lifelong learning and active participation in society. More information about the programme can be found on the HERA project website.  A central element of the pilot was the development of Personal Action Plans, enabling each participant to reflect on her values, aspirations, and future opportunities. By the end of the programme, many women expressed a renewed desire to continue their education, return to employment, or pursue new professional directions with greater confidence. The structured planning process helped transform ideas into realistic, achievable next steps, providing each participant with a personalised roadmap for the future.  The impact of the programme extended well beyond skills development. Throughout the six months, participants demonstrated increased enthusiasm, stronger self-confidence, improved competences, and a renewed sense of purpose. Many described leaving the programme with a much clearer understanding of their strengths, their personal aspirations, and the practical steps needed to achieve their goals.  The final session on 1 July 2026 concluded with a warm certificate ceremony, celebrating not only the successful completion of the pilot but also the strong relationships and supportive community that had developed among participants and the facilitator. The occasion provided an opportunity to reflect on the collective journey and recognise the commitment shown by every woman involved.  Reflecting on the implementation of the Cyprus pilot, one of the greatest strengths was the strong synergy between the trainer and the participants, which created an atmosphere of trust, openness, and mutual encouragement. Although accommodating participants’ availability occasionally presented organisational challenges, the dedication shown by both the women and the facilitator ensured the successful completion of the programme.   The successful completion of the Cyprus pilot demonstrates the positive impact of the HERA methodology in supporting women aged 45 and over as they navigate personal and professional transitions. While the programme has now concluded, its legacy will continue through the knowledge, confidence, and personal action plans developed by the participants, providing a strong foundation for future opportunities and inspiring further women to benefit from the HERA approach across Europe. 

The Spanish HERA Labs pilot programme celebrated its final session on 22 June 2026, marking the successful completion of a transformative journey for women aged 45 and over in Yecla. The programme, implemented by CETEM, and facilitated by Nuria Gil, delivered 17 sessions over seven months, guiding participants through a structured pathway of mutual aid, learning, stakeholder engagement, and personal action planning. From a challenging start, the programme evolved into a genuine success story. Initially, it was difficult to secure commitment from women who were hesitant to engage in a six-to-seven-month programme. However, through recruitment campaigns on local television and radio, social media, and crucially, the positive word-of-mouth generated by early participants, interest grew steadily. Ultimately, 22 women became involved, with 18 attending more than 70% of sessions and receiving certificates of participation on the last session. The programme’s phased approach proved highly effective. It began with mutual aid and trust-building, establishing a safe and supportive group environment where participants could share experiences and build connections. This foundation was essential for the work that followed. The programme then progressed through the Learning to Learn phase, which comprised four sessions covering essential modules to equip participants with the tools and confidence needed for their reinvention journey. A key highlight was the Engagement with External Stakeholders phase, where participants met successful female role models from the local community, including professionals from the corporate, furniture, adult education, and agricultural sectors. These interactions provided tangible examples of professional reinvention and inspired participants to envision new possibilities for their own careers. The final phase focused on developing Personal Action Plans. Participants identified their core values, assessed alignment with their current lives, and built sustainable visions for their professional futures. The final session on 22 June included a celebratory certificate ceremony. Looking ahead, the success of the Spanish pilot provides valuable insights for the future HERA methodology. The importance of local stakeholder engagement, the transformative power of peer reflection spaces, and the the value of well-structured guidance for Personal Action Plan development will inform the continued refinement and replication of the model across Europe. The HERA Labs Spain journey may have concluded, but for the women of Yecla, it marks the beginning of a new chapter of empowerment, opportunity, and reinvention.

On June 9, The National School of Public Health of NOVA University Lisbon hosted a HERA Labs Portugal community gathering in Lisbon, bringing together participants from the three HERA Labs Portugal groups. The session created space for women who have been part of the HERA Labs journey to reconnect, meet participants from other groups and continue building supportive networks. It was also an opportunity to publicly present the HERA platform, an important step in expanding access to personalised skills assessment, career pathway guidance and lifelong learning opportunities. Through short personal pitches, participants shared their experiences, interests and aspirations, opening conversations around personal growth, professional pathways and future opportunities. Moments like this reflect HERA’s approach to empowerment: combining learning, digital tools and community support to help women build confidence, strengthen their skills and explore new possibilities. A special thank you to the Parish Council of Carnide, for supporting this gathering.