National Focal Point Spain

Results presentation

70 projects closer to full gender equality

 11 million euros, 70 projects funded more than 15,000 direct female beneficiaries… and above all a big success: taking a few more steps toward gender equality. These are the excellent results of Gender Equality and Work-Life Balance Programme, co-financed by the EEA Grants.

21.06.2016

Spanish Ministry of Health, Social Services and Equality, through the Women’s Institute and for Equal Opportunities, has managed a programme, co-funded by the EEA Grants which, as Rosa Urbón, Institute’s Director said in the closing event, “despite the difficulties it has been a success”. Quantitative and qualitative results, gathered inthis document, showcase it:

70 projects funded- in areas such as entrepreneurship, fight against gender-based violence, labour inclusion of vulnerable women, gender pay gap, glass ceiling...- 15,000 direct beneficiaries, around 600 workshops, 80,000 leaflets published, more than 1,000 press articles… However, behind these figures there is much more: six regions are better prepared to combat gender-based violence and support victims; the programme has become a cultural transformation agent contributing to overcome gender stereotypes and empower women; some of the projects will continue and networks and women associations have been created that will last. But, above all, there are numerous success stories.

Such as the 56 Promociona women –out of 196 participants- who have been promoted in their companies to leadership positions after taking part in this project that will continue beyond the EEA Grants. Or the 736 female entrepreneurs that have received training and support within a project managed by Fundación Incyde and 41% of them have already created their own business. Or the inhabitants of 15 Spanish municipalities and 3 Norwegian who are benefitting from the equality plans put in place thanks to the Equilibrio-Balance project. Or the students of 9 educational centres pioneers in the implementation of equal education plans thanks to the work of 4,700 persons involved.

“This is the most successful EEA Grants programme in the field of equality”, highlighted the Norwegian Ambassador, Johan Vibe. Strengthening bilateral relations between Spain and Norway has been another significant outcome of this programme. Rachel E. Paul, representative from the donor partner, LDO, pointed out how “both countries have learned from each other, we from Spain have learned about vulnerable women integration”. The objective now is to maintain cooperation beyond the EEA Grants.

Begoña Suárez, leader responsible for the team which has managed the programme, added in the closing event that, “we were very ambitious which has sometimes presented difficulties but the excellent cooperation with all those involved has made it all worthwhile”.