The implementation of the HERA Labs has officially begun across partner countries, marking an important milestone for the project. During the first weeks of 2026, local organisations initiated the first Lab sessions, bringing together women aged 45+ to embark on a shared journey of learning, reflection, and collective empowerment.
Across all countries, the Labs are currently focused on Phase 1: Mutual Aid and Group, laying the foundations for trust, collaboration, and solidarity. This initial phase is designed to help participants connect with one another, share experiences, and co-create a safe and supportive learning environment before moving into skills development and future planning.
In Athens, the first three HERA Labs sessions were successfully delivered by WHEN, concluding with the participation of 22 women aged 45+. Through guided discussions and participatory activities, the group explored shared challenges, personal strengths, and the principles of mutual support that underpin the HERA Labs methodology.
At the same time, Women in Tech Alliance (WITA) kicked off its HERA Labs implementation at Foo Café in early January. The sessions created a welcoming and inclusive space where participants began building connections and reflecting on their learning needs and aspirations.
In Larissa, the HERA Labs have also officially started, with local groups forming and engaging in the first activities of the mutual aid phase. Early sessions focused on group agreements, peer support, and collective goal setting, creating a strong basis for the next phases of the Labs.
In the Netherlands, approximately 20 women participants have joined the Labs, working together to build group cohesion and explore shared experiences related to reskilling, life transitions, and personal development.
Similarly, the Labs have started in Spain and Cyprus, where facilitators are guiding participants through the same first phase, ensuring a common methodological approach across countries while respecting local contexts and needs.
Although implemented in different countries and settings, all HERA Labs share a common starting point. The first phase places strong emphasis on collaboration, peer support, solidarity, and trust-building. Rather than beginning with formal training, participants are encouraged to learn with and from each other, recognising their collective knowledge and lived experience as a valuable resource.
As the groups continue to meet, these early connections will serve as the foundation for the next phases of the HERA Labs, which will focus on skills identification, learning pathways, and personal action planning.
The first weeks of implementation already highlight the strength of the HERA Labs approach: local communities coming together, supported by a shared European methodology, to empower women 45+ to navigate change with confidence and solidarity.
