The primary objective of the project was to empower young women, aged 13 to 18, to explore entrepreneurship and develop the skills necessary to start and manage their own businesses. We aimed to increase awareness of the opportunities available in the (social) entrepreneurial world, especially for girls who may not typically be exposed to such possibilities. By doing so, we wanted to address the gender gap in entrepreneurship and contribute to a more balanced representation of women in business. Furthermore, the project aimed to provide youth workers with the resources and training to inspire and guide girls toward entrepreneurship. We also aimed to create a dynamic and engaging learning environment where young women could network, collaborate, and learn practical skills. In the long term, we hope to encourage a generation of confident, skilled, and innovative young female entrepreneurs who can contribute to economic growth and gender equality.
We applied for this project because of the underrepresentation of women in the field of entrepreneurship across Europe. According to Eurostat, only 23.7% of entrepreneurs in Spain, 30.5% in the Netherlands, and 32.6% in Croatia are women. This highlights a significant gender gap that needs to be addressed, especially when it comes to young women. Through this project, we aimed to inspire women at a young age in entrepreneurship, as the earlier they can be inspired, the more dedicated and committed they will become. Therefore, we wanted to create a project that empowers girls aged 13 to 18 by providing them with entrepreneurial skills and encouraging them to pursue entrepreneurship as a viable career option. Through practical tools, mentorship from female role models, and non-formal learning opportunities, we sought to address the need for gender diversity in entrepreneurship, contribute to economic growth, and inspire a new generation of female entrepreneurs. This project is not only about improving employability but also about encouraging confidence, innovation, and leadership among young women.