Financial literacy of rural women at exclusion risk

The FLOWER project aimed to improve financial literacy among rural women at risk of social exclusion by strengthening the skills and methods of adult educators and creating practical, accessible t...

The FLOWER project aimed to improve financial literacy among rural women at risk of social exclusion by strengthening the skills and methods of adult educators and creating practical, accessible training tools. Its goals were to equip 16 trainers from four partner countries with specialised knowledge, pedagogical approaches, and interactive methods tailored to the realities of rural women with fewer opportunities; to develop and test an easy-to-use electronic handbook enriched with real-life examples and 50 best practices; and to organise local workshops reaching at least 80 women. In practice, the workshops involved 110 rural women, enabling them to better understand financial concepts, manage personal budgets, save, and make informed decisions. The project also sought to promote financial independence, social inclusion, and active citizenship, while fostering transnational cooperation between partner organisations. By ensuring that all results were adaptable, multilingual, and freely accessible, the project aimed to secure their long-term use beyond its official duration. All planned objectives were fully achieved or exceeded, with the number of women reached and the quality of outputs surpassing initial expectations.

The FLOWER project implemented activities to strengthen trainers’ skills and empower rural women at risk of exclusion. Partners collected and analysed 50 best practices in financial literacy from Slovenia, France, Spain, and Turkey, including digital financial literacy and initiatives for vulnerable groups. This formed the basis for the multilingual Financial Literacy E-Manual for Trainers, developed in English and translated into Slovenian, French, Spanish, and Turkish. Written in simple, accessible language, it was enriched with real-life examples, exercises, storytelling, and an annex of best practices. The handbook was tested by 35 trainers (Spain: 9, France: 9, Turkey: 8, Slovenia: 9) using Google Forms and printed questionnaires; feedback refined content and design. A five-day Train-the-Trainer course in Zaragoza (31 March–4 April 2025) gathered 16 participants from all partner countries. Each partner then held a one-day local workshop, engaging 110 rural women—exceeding the target of 80. Project management, the kick-off meeting in Vincennes, coordination, dissemination via the website, Facebook page, and Corporate Identity Manual ensured smooth implementation, visibility, and sustainability.

The FLOWER project delivered tangible outputs and results supporting its goals and ensuring lasting impact. The main product is the Financial Literacy E-Manual for Trainers, created in English and translated into Slovenian, French, Spanish, and Turkish. Covering 13 key topics—budgeting, saving, debt management, entrepreneurship, banking, investment, and financial planning—it is written in clear language, enriched with real-life examples, exercises, and storytelling. An annex contains 50 best practices gathered from Slovenia (10), France (10), Spain (15), and Turkey (15). The manual was tested by 35 trainers, and feedback improved its final version. A five-day Train-the-Trainer course in Zaragoza trained 16 educators, who then applied the tools in four national workshops, reaching 110 rural women (target 80) and improving their financial skills. Additional results include the project website, Facebook page, Corporate Identity Manual, Dissemination Plan, partnership agreements, Management Plan, and interim and final reports. These outputs form a transferable, multilingual resource for boosting financial literacy among rural women.