Equality for Women Measure E.L.L.E. Project Presentation by Jennifer D’Arcy to Irish Presidency 2013 Gender Equality Conference ‘Women’s Economic Engagement and the Europe 2020 Agenda’ 29 th and 30 th April 2013 People and Communities Working Together

The E.L.L.E. Project Education and Life-long Learning for Employment for Women Aim: The aim of this initiative is to engage with women on a practical level who are experiencing multiple forms of disadvantage and who are most distant from economic activity and provide them with options to participate in pre-development and accredited courses in order to facilitate their progression in to further education and employment.

Key Features: Outreach Needs identification and activation Pre- development Needs led tailor made interventions Referral

Outreach Targeted households called to and information regarding the ELLE initiative distributed. Women contacted and accessed through community based services, schools, Local Employment Service, and Co. Wicklow VEC Adult Guidance Service. Advertisements in local news papers and press releases to local papers. Advertisement of programme through local community groups, Co. Wicklow VEC, FÁS, and Department of Social Protection – posters/flyers etc, e-newsletters. Over 950 women accessed through outreach.

Time Frame: July 2011 – November women participated in the programme between July 2011 and November 2012.

Courses: Basic Computers – FETAC Level 3 IT – FETAC Level 4 Career Coaching ECDL (Full) Exploring Options CV Preparation and Interview Skills Considering Self Employment Women Into Business Budgeting and Nutrition Social and Personal Development Programme for Women with Disabilities

Key findings from outreach and engagement to date: Positive response to programmes available Transferable skills Desire amongst participants to advance and progress within and from courses. Need to gain more information around options available. Build on networking and friendships developed through participation in programme. Providing opportunities to facilitate progression pathways Low confidence and self-esteem are still very important issues and barriers to women’s participation Taster programmes are crucial acting as a catalyst for women to progress into accredited training.

Policy Conclusions: Childcare Language Outreach Partnership Programme Planning and Development Progression and Support