News

The Spanish HERA Lab, implemented by CETEM in Yecla, began with an ambitious challenge: engaging women aged 45 and over in a seven-month journey focused on learning, professional reinvention and personal development. From 24 November 2025 to 22 June 2026, the programme delivered 17 sessions structured around the four phases of the HERA methodology: Mutual Aid and Team Building, Learning to Learn, Engagement with External Stakeholders and Personal Action Plan development. The Lab received 22 registrations, with 18 women attending more than 70% of the sessions and receiving a certificate of participation. But one of the most important outcomes went beyond attendance figures. Throughout the programme, the participants built a strong peer-support network, sharing experiences, challenges and practical advice. According to the final evaluation, 100% of respondents reported increased motivation towards learning and greater confidence, self-direction or engagement in learning. The Lab also connected participants with local female professionals and organisations from sectors such as furniture and woodworking, adult education, corporate services and agriculture. These encounters gave participants the opportunity to hear first-hand career experiences, explore local employment and training opportunities, and ask questions about possible pathways for professional reinvention. During the final phase, participants translated this reflection into action. Fifteen women completed a Personal Action Plan, defining realistic next steps linked to their values, training interests and professional goals. The experience in Yecla shows one of the key strengths of the HERA approach: professional reinvention is not only about acquiring new skills. Creating a trusted space where women facing similar challenges can reflect, support one another and connect with real opportunities in their local environment can also be a powerful driver for change. Full story: herawomen.eu #HERAProject #ErasmusPlus #WomensEmpowerment #CETEM #Yecla #Reskilling #LifelongLearning

The HERA project has reached an important stage in its implementation, successfully completing three deliverables and four milestones by 31 August 2026. These achievements reflect the strong collaboration of the project partners and mark significant progress towards HERA’s goals. The three completed deliverables cover key areas of the project: Alongside these deliverables, the consortium also achieved four important milestones: Together, these results strengthen the foundations of the HERA project.  Although the completed deliverables are not yet publicly available, their submission represents an important internal achievement for the consortium. The outcomes will support the next stage of the project and help ensure that HERA’s activities are evidence-based, accessible and aligned with its target group. Reaching these seven targets demonstrates the consortium’s shared commitment. Now, HERA will continue moving closer to its objective of empowering women over 45 through reskilling, professional development and access to a supportive European community.

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.

The HERA project was present at the 11th International Digital Public Health Conference held in Barcelona, Spain, from 24 to 26 June 2026. This event brought together a diverse international cohort of professionals, stakeholders, and academics. The project was presented at the plenary session “The Menopause Mission – Digital Empowerment for Healthy Ageing for Women”. The abstract, authored by Nina Soenderbe, Lars Münter, Andrea Marinho, and Carina Dantas, addresses an often-overlooked topic in discussions about healthy ageing, workforce participation, and digital inclusion: the impact of menopause on women’s wellbeing, confidence, career progression, and access to opportunities in later life. As a partner in the HERA – Helping Empower Women through Reskilling and Advancement project, SHINE 2Europe is committed to supporting women aged 45+ through innovative approaches that combine lifelong learning, digital empowerment, community engagement, and policy innovation. HERA aims to reduce gender inequalities by helping women navigate the challenges and opportunities created by the digital and green transitions, while strengthening inclusion, employability, and wellbeing. The Menopause Mission aligns closely with HERA’s vision. By promoting digital literacy, access to trusted information, peer support, and empowerment throughout key life transitions, initiatives such as this contribute to creating more inclusive societies and healthier ageing trajectories for women. The discussion also reinforced the importance of addressing health, wellbeing, employment, and lifelong learning as interconnected dimensions of active participation in society. At SHINE, we believe that empowering women is not only about supporting career transitions; it is about creating the conditions for confidence, health, participation, and lifelong growth. Through HERA, we continue working with partners across Europe to co-create solutions that ensure inclusivity in our increasingly digital world.

In June 2026, CETEM presented the HERA project at Circularmente, a leading business event in the Region of Murcia focused on sustainability, environmental challenges and the circular economy. The event brought together institutions, entrepreneurs and companies committed to the green transition. CETEM participated with a dedicated stand showcasing some of its most significant projects, including HERA, to visitors and fellow participants. Circularmente provided a strategic setting in which to communicate HERA’s objectives. The transition towards more sustainable and circular business models is creating new professional opportunities and increasing demand for green skills. However, ensuring that these opportunities are accessible to people of different ages and backgrounds is essential for an inclusive transition. The project’s message at Circularmente centred on reinvention with purpose. Lifelong learning can enable senior women to apply their existing experience to new sustainability-related roles, combining professional knowledge with the skills required by circular and environmentally responsible business models. By showcasing HERA at the event, CETEM highlighted the connection between social inclusion, women’s empowerment and environmental transformation. The transition to a greener economy is not only about technology or new production systems—it is also about people and their capacity to lead meaningful change. CETEM’s participation reinforced HERA’s commitment to ensuring that women over 45 are recognised as valuable contributors to the sustainable economy and are equipped to help shape a greener, more circular future.

On 4 June 2026, Carina Dantas, CEO of SHINE 2Europe and partner in the HERA project, represented HERA at the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) Public Hearing SOC/831, titled “Reducing Barriers to Inclusive Entrepreneurship, Promoting Innovation and Providing Equal Opportunities for All.” Held in Brussels, the hearing brought together policymakers, researchers, entrepreneurs, and representatives of European organisations to discuss how inclusive entrepreneurship can be strengthened across Europe and how barriers affecting underrepresented groups can be reduced. The event featured a distinguished panel of speakers from the European Commission, academia, business associations, and civil society organisations. Carina Dantas participated in the second panel, which explored initiatives and experiences from across Europe, highlighting successful practices, remaining challenges, and recommendations for future policies. During the session, she presented the work and objectives of the HERA project, alongside other initiatives. HERA was presented as a good practice example of how European projects can contribute to more inclusive entrepreneurship by empowering women, supporting innovation, and creating opportunities for participation and growth. The discussion highlighted the importance of collaborative approaches and targeted support mechanisms to address inequalities and strengthen the role of women entrepreneurs across Europe. The participation of SHINE 2Europe in this high-level European dialogue provided an important opportunity to share HERA’s achievements, exchange knowledge with key stakeholders, and contribute to discussions shaping future policies and initiatives for inclusive entrepreneurship.

The HERA Labs sessions in Sweden are gaining momentum. Implemented by WomeninTech Alliance (WITA), the program has found a receptive audience in a country with a long tradition of peer-led adult learning. The women joining these sessions bring experience, eagerness to learn, a genuine drive to upskill, and a clear sense of what they are looking for. In Sweden, women aged 45+ already show strong educational attainment, solid workforce participation, and an active entrepreneurial spirit. HERA Labs meets them at that point and builds from there. That said, Sweden has required its own approach. Women here tend to choose learning opportunities based on personal interest rather than committing to a fixed program sequence.   For WITA, this has meant thinking creatively, designing sessions around topics that genuinely resonate, moving away from a traditional classroom structure toward something more open and interest driven. It is a learning, but also a reflection of something deeper: the Swedish adaption of HERA Labs is itself an expression of the methodology’s core value: Learning should be relevant, personal, and grounded in real life. Within that spirit, sessions have been carefully shaped around the four phases of the HERA Labs methodology – Team Building & Mutual Aid, Learning to Learn, Stakeholder Engagement, Personal Action Plans – ensuring that the journey, however flexibly navigated, remains purposeful and coherent. The tools provided by the methodology have been woven into the sessions and have been well perceived, offering participants a practical and reflective framework. In one session, participants were invited to reflect on a simple but meaningful question: What truly drives you? Through personal mission-building exercises, women began naming their values, strengths, and passions. One thought stayed with the group long after: Passion without dedicated time and energy remains just a hobby. For many, it was a truth they already knew, spoken out loud. The room was calm, focused, and quietly charged with a sense of clarity. In another session, the focus turned to how mindset shapes the way we learn and grow. Drawing on research into fixed and growth mindsets, participants explored how self-limiting thoughts can hold them back – and how a simple word like “yet” can begin to shift that. What made the session particularly meaningful was the openness in the room. Women shared personal struggles with honesty and generosity, turning what could have been a theoretical session into something grounded and real. It became clear that participants were not only seeking new knowledge, but they were seeking connections and exchange of experiences. Across all sessions, something consistent emerged: women who arrived thoughtful and left a little more certain of themselves – supported by a program that is learning, alongside them, how to serve them best.

In May 2026, CETEM presented the HERA project at the Yecla Furniture Fair, one of Spain’s longest-running furniture-sector events and an essential meeting point for the national and international habitat industry. Held in Yecla, where CETEM is based, the fair has strong ties to the region’s business community. It brings together hundreds of companies from a historic manufacturing sector that is currently undergoing an important process of digital transformation. Throughout the event, CETEM welcomed thousands of visitors to its stand, where the team shared information about HERA through dedicated communication materials and conversations with companies, professionals and other stakeholders. This provided an excellent opportunity to introduce the project to representatives of a traditional industrial sector in which lifelong learning and digital skills are becoming increasingly important. Many experienced women working in areas such as production, administration and sales need opportunities to update and expand their skills. HERA responds to this challenge by promoting upskilling and professional development for women aged over 45, helping them adapt to technological change and strengthen their role in the labour market. CETEM’s participation in the fair also helped raise awareness among companies about the strategic value of senior female talent. With the right training and support, experienced women can play a leading role in the digital transformation of the furniture industry. By representing HERA at this important event, CETEM reinforced the project’s central message: experience is an asset, and investing in the skills of women over 45 benefits individuals, businesses and the wider industrial ecosystem.