Abstract:

This paper presents a Transnational Comparative Study and Analysis on sustainable employment for vulnerable women from desk research conducted and data collected during the project SustainHer, a project that aims to protect and promote access to sustainable employment opportunities for socially and economically vulnerable women, through skill-building and vocational training. In the EU, for the period 2016-2020, 34% of third-country national (TCN) women were unemployed, a percentage significantly higher than the unemployed men of the same status which was 23%. Gainful employment represents a key aspect of immigrant integration into host societies, playing a vital role in fostering social inclusion and individual well-being. To access lifelong learning opportunities, TCN women, must overcome barriers such as language skills, lack of adequate information, social and professional prejudice. By employing qualitative methodologies such as interviews of women belonging to the community of a Women's Center in Thessaloniki, Greece as well as focus groups and a survey of employers and representatives of civil society organizations, in Greece and Europe the research results discussed in this paper, examine the current landscape of lifelong learning and vocational training opportunities available to TCN women residing in Greece and other EU member states. Based on empirical findings and a comprehensive literature review this research paper offers targeted recommendations to promote sustainable employment aligned with European values and development strategies

Keywords:

Sustainable employment, vulnerable women, gender inclusion, life long learning.