Our project aimed to transform the sector into a domain that is both sustainable and ethical, aligning with the needs of its diverse target groups. Our goal was to empower women and promote sustainability within the fashion industry through the principles of circular fashion. Specifically we provided women with essential practical skills to enhance their employability, communication, digital skills and vision for a meaningful career. This was achieved through peer to peer learning to women whose technical skills and market presence were diminished by the rise of fast fashion and cheap clothing. The project also catered to educators in the textile and fashion sectors, equipping them with up-to-date skills on circular economy practices to effectively transfer knowledge to both young and professional participants in the industry. We focused on building stronger life and social competencies, fostering a sense of initiative, entrepreneurship, and critical thinking. Our efforts extended beyond individual empowerment to raise awareness on local, national and European level on the pivotal role women play as agents of change in making the fashion industry greener and more ethical.
In applying for this project, the consortium aimed to confront the urgent sustainability crisis within the fashion industry, marked by a dramatic rise in environmental and social costs. This industry is notorious for its lack of transparency and rampant exploitation of workers, contributing to widespread environmental degradation and human rights violations. Our project, Social Growth for Circular and Heritage Fashion, aims to address these challenges by promoting a circular economy model. This model focuses on sustainability, reducing waste and pollution, and extending the lifecycle of materials and products. We focus on empowering women, particularly those unemployed or needing a second chance, including migrants and refugees, by equipping them with skills in circular fashion techniques and the use of sustainable materials. By targeting unemployed female designers and women from disadvantaged backgrounds, our project not only aims to enhance their professional skills but also to uplift their personal lives and community standing. This program fosters intergenerational collaboration, where young women collaborate with older women who possess invaluable knowledge of heritage techniques.