Social Growth for Circular Fashion

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 indus...

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 implementing the SogFash project, our consortium carried out a range of strategically planned activities: [Project Management] We established a comprehensive Project Management Plan, created and circulated a critical path, developed collaboration tools, and engaged in continuous cooperation and quality control to maintain the project's integrity and direction. [TPMs]We facilitated several key meetings including a kick-off meeting, interim evaluations, and a final meeting held in Sassari, Madrid, Athens, and Dusseldorf, respectively. These were supplemented by monthly virtual meetings to ensure consistent communication and coordination across all partner organisations. [Training Activity TC1]: In Madrid, we organised specialised workshops that focused on various sections of the Educators' Handbook. These sessions involved educators and fashion experts and were instrumental in refining the teaching approaches for the project. [MEs]: We hosted six local events to disseminate the outcomes of our project and engage a broader audience. These events showcased materials produced by participants and highlighted the project's impact. [R1 Educational Toolkit]: We created a toolkit for upskilling and empowering women in the circular and heritage garment and textile sectors. This toolkit included materials on empowerment and soft skills for employability, entrepreneurial skills to promote micro-businesses and craftsmanship, and technical skills for designing and developing textiles and garments using traditional and circular techniques. [R2 Educators Handbook]: We developed a program specifically for educators, equipping them with the necessary materials to train women across regions, borders, and age groups. This included handbooks, manuals, and workshop materials. [R3 Digitized Program for Women]: Building on the educational content from R1, this program comprised online modules, manuals, and toolkits aimed at the final target group of women. It also featured a mapping of traditional heritage techniques from Europe, fostering collaboration and knowledge transfer across generations and regions. These activities were embedded in a digital educational platform and were showcased through Open Studio events at each partner's region at the project's conclusion. Trainees received certifications for their acquired skills, further contributing to their professional development and the project’s sustainability.

The concrete outputs and results of the project were as follows: Circular & Heritage Fashion Educational Toolkit for Educators: The comprehensive toolkit equipped educators with resources, and materials necessary to effectively teach circular and heritage fashion concepts. It included diverse topics to empower educators to impart essential skills and knowledge to students in the garment and textile sectors. E-Learning Platform for Sustainable Fashion: The project established an online hub for sustainable fashion education offering diverse resources, raising awareness of sustainable practices in fashion in video format in 6 different languages. Shape the Vision Educational Toolkits: Designed the content and implemented capacity-building programs targeting young women NEET and women over 55 active in Madrid's heritage garment and textile sector for 7 days. This activity was tailored to meet the specific needs of these demographics, providing them with skills and knowledge relevant to their fields. Digital Training for Women: Recruited 100 participants to empower them with essential skills and competencies for success in the garment and textile sectors.