The HERA | Helping Empower Women through Reskilling and Advancement project was officially launched during an online kick-off meeting on April 15th 2025, led by the Project Coordinator, Escola Superior de Saúde Pública da Universidade NOVA de Lisboa (ENSP-UNL). This marked the beginning of a collaborative journey aimed at empowering women through innovative strategies in reskilling, community-building, and policy development.
The virtual meeting brought together project partners from across Europe, offering an opportunity to connect, share experiences, and learn about the diverse regions represented in the consortium. It was a warm and productive session that set the tone for the project’s future.
Throughout the meeting, partners discussed the initial steps for implementing the project. These included shaping the communication and dissemination plan, outlining how the project’s progress and goals will be shared with key audiences. Discussions also began on the creation of the HERA Labs, which will serve as spaces for collaborative learning and innovation. The team explored the first development phases of the HERA Community Portal, a digital platform that mirrors the HERA Labs online.
In addition, the consortium began to outline the frameworks for policy experimentation and impact measurement, setting the foundation for how the project’s outcomes will be assessed and understood. Work also started by brainstorming how the policy recommendations will influence future strategies supporting women’s advancement in society and the workforce.
The meeting concluded with a discussion about the organisation of the first Transnational Project Meeting, which will bring all partners together in person this May in Lisbon. This upcoming event will further strengthen collaboration and drive the project forward with a shared vision and purpose.
With a strong start, the HERA project is poised to become a significant initiative in promoting gender equality, inclusion, and lifelong learning across Europe.
