Circular economy education for the social inclusion of Women

As stated in the European Skills Agenda, the green and digital transitions are reshaping the way we live, work and interact. The EU’s move to a resource-efficient, circular, digitised and climate ...

“Circular economy education for social inclusion of Women” is a 24 months Cooperation partnership aimed at promoting Circular Economy and Sustainability among women at risk of exclusion, by fostering a greater interaction between the European Green Deal and the EU Gender Equality Strategy 2020-2025. As resulting from the needs analysis conducted by the Consortium, a greater promotion is needed of the positive social impacts that Circular Economy (CE) can have on Adults at risk of exclusion, and on women in particular. CE can foster not only employability but also social inclusion, by promoting a sense of social justice and social equity within the greater framework of sustainable development, satisfying the needs of present and future generations (Padilla-Rivera, 2020). The project has identified some specific objectives/achievements: providing Adult Educators and trainers with skills, competences and tools to engage women at risk of exclusion (35-45) and/or who did not complete their studies; creating upskilling pathways for women at risk of exclusion (35-45) and/or who did not complete their studies, and increase their take-up of new adult education opportunities in the field of circular economy and sustainability.

In the 24 months of cooperation, CECIL Consortium implemented the following activities: - 3 Transnational project meetings - 1 JSTE, provided comprehensive joint learning and exchange between the participants on tools and methodologies to foster Circular Economy and sustainability through art, craft and NFE methodologies; tested the Training Format produced in R1 and layed the foundation for the co-creation of the activities that were included in the R2 and tested in the local phase. The local workshops, that involved participants in the C1 as trainers and women at risk of exclusion (35-45), tested the activities included in the R2 and layed the foundation for the co-creation of the video-tutorials included in R3.

Tangible results were: 1. R1 – CECIL Guide, a practical resource for Adult Educators and Adult Education Institutions regarding tools and methodologies to foster Circular Economy and Sustainability within their organisations and in their work with the target group and beyond. A Training Format employing the tinkering methodology in synergy with NFE methods was included, as a practical resource for direct application of said methods in future trainings or in the daily life of organisations. The TF was based on the findings of a transnational research (which final report is included in R1) identifying the needs and barriers, and societal exclusion factors of women at risk of exclusion, and the existing offer in the frame of Circular Economy Education and Plastic Craftwork. 2. R2 - CECIL Interactive Toolkit, developed through a co-design process between the Adult Educators involved in the C1 and partner organizations, as a set of guidelines, workshops and video tutorials on tinkering and Non-Formal education activities fostering Circular Economy. 3. R3 - CECIL Practitioners Network, developed around a web-platform, conceived as a comprehensive tool to foster Plastic Circular Economy through Recycled art/Craftwork and comprising a resources section for users approaching the field of Circular Economy and re-cycled art/craftworks, and a forum section where users / practitioners can exchange tutorials for Plastic Craftwork including information on the amount of waste avoided. Through the production of tangible results and the implementation of training activities at transnational and local level, CECIL also produced the following outcomes: A. Stakeholders and policy-making authorities provided with meaningful insights and concrete pathways for the improvement of sectoral policies/offers in the field of adults education and women social inclusion. B. Operators from each partner country provided with the knowledge, competences, and methodologies to be active, in cooperation among them, in supporting the social inclusion and empowerment of women through Circular Economy Education and Plastic Craftwork. C. Women at risk of exclusion in partner countries were sensitized to greater participation in education and social life in general, as well as stimulated in breaking the barriers of insecurity and self-loathing hampering their engagement in education and social participation. D. The general public in partner countries was stimulated to develop more inclusive attitudes towards women and reject prejudices/stereotyped narratives about women. E. Consolidate framework of cooperation allowed partner organizations to be active on the topic exchanging information and proposing follow-up initiatives, also with the involvement of interested stakeholders.