Our objectives are centered around empowering women, fostering sustainability in the fashion industry, and promoting circular fashion. We aimed to provide women, especially those of vulnerable state such as migrants and refugees, with the opportunity to develop entrepreneurial and transversal skills. This empowerment includes enhancing their ability to use cultural heritage symbols innovatively in their designs, thus finding unique niches and ensuring economic stability. Our project focuses on building stronger life and social competences among women, promoting a sense of initiative, entrepreneurship, and critical thinking. We believe that by equipping women with these skills, we can help them progress toward better positions in life and work. At the local, regional, national, European, and international levels, our project raised awareness on several critical issues. These include women's empowerment, the importance of sustainable and circular fashion, and the role of women as agents of change in creating a greener industry. By highlighting the harmful impacts of fast fashion, we aim to transform the fashion sector into a more sustainable and ethical domain.
As the consortium of the CREATE project, our commitment is driven by the urgent need to address the sustainability crisis in the fashion industry. Recognizing the industry's significant environmental impact and its link to human rights violations, we aimed to champion a circular fashion model. This approach not only reduces waste and pollution but also addresses human rights concerns tied to the global fashion value chain. We were inspired to apply for this project due to the pivotal role women can play in fostering sustainable change. Our project specifically targets unemployed female designers and women in need of a second chance, including migrants and refugees. By equipping them with skills in circular fashion techniques and sustainable materials, we aim to empower them professionally and personally. Our application was also motivated by the desire to revitalize the fashion sector in Europe, which was heavily impacted by the COVID-19 crisis at the time we applied. Through transnational cooperation, we sought to exchange expertise, promote women's empowerment, and embrace cultural heritage as a tool for innovation and inclusion.