Blog

During the recent months, we have been working on a new project, and we are finally happy to share our work and achievements with you!

Voilà - Égal’Asso! 

In 2012, the French organisation Femm'ESS warned of gender-based inequalities in the Social Solidarity Sector (SSE), which employs over 70% of women. Recent studies and surveys from Belgium and Greece, show that gender inequalities persist, and that the voluntary sector is not exempt, even though the promotion of equality and fairness are key-values. SSE organisations often lack the resources and equipment to develop equality policies internally and externally for their staff, members of the public and beneficiaries. Yet these associations are key players in the promotion of equality at local level.

In response to the persistent reality of gender inequality, we are witnessing an increasing number of policy approaches grounded in a systemic understanding of gender-based violence. This perspective, long advocated by feminist movements, helps to shed light on the broader mechanisms of inequality and power relations that operate at a societal level and, at the same time, shape the everyday experiences of individuals. For this reason, we think it is essential to deconstruct gendered stereotypes across all levels of society, including within the voluntary sector.

Co-funded by the European Union's Erasmus+ programme, Égal’Asso seeks to provide guidance in job offering, how to support young parents facing problems with the concept of parental leave, how to confront and address sexism, how to discuss menstruation openly and without shame, and how to create a work environment where all decisions are transparent and fair.

In the context of this project, we interview people from small scale organizations in all of the partner countries - for example Les Jantes du Nord, an association based in Lille, France whose purpose is to assist with bicycle repairs, pool tools and share knowledge about bicycle mechanics or the Aθenian Gestalt association who offers psychotherapy and educational programs at an international level, raising awareness about the equality of all genders, sexual orientations, gender expressions and gender characteristics. We want to talk about how they deal with the topics, such as parental leave, recruitment practices, menstruation and inclusivity, salary structures, and everyday sexism and gather hands-on insights into what works best in fighting gender inequality.

We look forward to continuing our work on this important project together. The project partners are:

• La Maison des Associations de Tourcoing (Mda), France: a veritable pillar of local community life, committed to young people - particularly those under 18 - and involved in the ecological transition and the fight against discrimination. MdA defends the clear values of the social economy, the transmission and sharing of knowledge and the empowerment of citizens.
• POUR LA SOLIDARITÉ (PLS), Belgium: an independent European think & do tank, committed to a more caring and sustainable Europe. PLS provides expertise in research, coordination of European projects and support for social economy initiatives.
• Conseil Recherche Ingénierie et Formation pour l'Egalité femmes-hommes (CORIF), France: an association that has been working for 40 years to promote gender equality in the workplace and combat sexist stereotypes and representations. It has developed expertise in the field of gender equality in the workplace, both in France and abroad, through its work with companies, local authorities, the national education system and individuals.
• Hellenic Youth Participation (HYP), Greece: acting for intercultural dialogue, non-formal education, mutual understanding and solidarity. Our main objective is to promote human rights through non-formal education and experiential learning.

Strengthening gender equality practices within associations is the first step of a significant journey. With Égal’Asso, we want to create inclusive environments that benefit not only associations, but all people who engage with them and their work.