The main objective is to develop and deliver a training program to address some of the major challenges faced by adult women who are interested in becoming familiarized with entrepreneurial practices and eventually pursue a career in the field. The specific objectives of the WINNER project implemented by the partnership were to: develop entrepreneurial and digital skills, using people-oriented innovative practices and guidance; inspire women and trigger their interest in pursuing entrepreneurial careers, irrespective of their age and background; develop an e-learning platform for inclusive and participatory entrepreneurial training; establish a strong network of successful female entrepreneurs and women interested in social entrepreneurship; create a flexible mentoring program that will educate both mentors and female trainees; cultivate feelings of self-confidence, active participation, entrepreneurial mentality, creativity, and civic engagement; create a safe online environment built on inclusion, diversity, equality, and stability; provide opportunities for higher employability through digital skills training and networking; deliver an open educational curriculum based on OER and promote it.
51% (229 million) of the European population are women citizens (Eurostat, 2020), with the employment rate reaching 67.3% (women aged 20-64). Women's economic independence, high earning potential, participation in economic decision-making and equal access to education are among the fundamental values that the Union promotes and supports. In addition, other key actions should be encouraged to combat discrimination on the basis of sex, and structural inequalities and gender-based violence. Adult women continue to face limited access to information (how to get started), access to social and financial capital and technology to succeed, as well as deep-rooted perceptions of a gender related entrepreneurial glass ceiling. The challenges faced by adult women who want to learn about entrepreneurial practices and eventually pursue a career in this field are common barriers that prevent women from entering the entrepreneurial ecosystem which are lack of training, age discrimination, insufficient networks and perceptions of women.