Improving the position of Women in the labour markets of peripheral INdustrial regions

The Danube Region is characterized by pronounced gender inequalities in employment, as female unemployment is higher than male unemployment, particularly in peripheral highly industrialized regions. The economies of these areas are traditionally oriented toward male-dominated industries, which reinforces narrow labour markets and gender stereotypes. The COVID-19 crisis has further exacerbated these disparities. Gender inequality, and the related vulnerability of women in labour markets, therefore remains a persistent problem that no country in the Danube Region has yet effectively addressed.

The overall objective of the WIN project is to improve the position of women workers in peripheral industrial regions, contributing to more accessible, inclusive and effective labour market for them. The project aims to strengthen women’s employment opportunities by removing cultural and institutional barriers and by empowering women to better utilize their professional potential. This will be achieved through a transnational approach that includes an in-depth analysis of challenges, knowledge exchange, and the implementation of pilot actions tailored to regional needs. In addition, the project seeks to strengthen institutional capacities through awareness-raising activities and improved policy design at the local, national, and macro-regional levels.

The main results of the WIN project include jointly developed solutions, pilot measures, action plans, and policy recommendations, supported by a strong transnational network and a joint awareness-raising campaign. The jointly developed solutions refer to a methodological tool for developing social innovations to promote women’s employment, tested in seven pilot areas across Danube Region countries (AT, BIH, BU, CZ, HU, RS and SI). The experiences from the pilot activities will be compiled in a handbook, and the sustainability of the results will be ensured through local and regional action plans as well as tailored policy recommendations, including at the level of the EUSDR.

The WIN project primarily targets women in peripheral industrial towns and regions facing economic decline, outmigration, and limited employment opportunities. In addition to women, it also addresses women’s associations, employers, support organizations, public institutions, academia, and civil society. Through its macro-regional approach, the project bridges the gap between general policies and locally specific challenges, contributing to a more equitable and inclusive development of these areas.