Smart in the Erasmus+ Project “ElevatHER”
Equality does not happen automatically. Active steps are needed to ensure that women take on leadership positions in business, politics, science, and NGOs. This is precisely where the new Erasmus+ project “ElevatHER. Overcoming the Gender Power Gap” comes in. Smart, the cooperative for freelancers and self-employed professionals, is implementing this project together with partner organizations from Belgium, the Czech Republic, Greece, and Poland.
The goal of the project is to develop a digital learning platform for adult educators and provide an app that offers daily inspiration and encouragement for women to raise their voices and take on leadership roles. While significant progress has been made, much remains to be done to anchor gender equality sustainably in our society.
Kick-off Meeting in Prague: A European Spirit of Change
On January 16–17, 2025, the project’s kick-off meeting took place in Prague. Representatives from the five participating organizations—including adult educators, trainers, managers, and authors—came together to plan the project’s first steps. A packed agenda led to intensive discussions on developing learning modules and designing the planned app. It became clear how important it is to understand the needs of different target groups and create a practical, inspiring platform.
Beyond the content-related work, the exchange among participants provided valuable insights: “I now have a clear orientation for project activities until 2026 and the next steps. It was wonderful to experience the European spirit, the diversity of perceptions and opinions, as well as the commonalities that connect us.”
Why Gender Equality Concerns Us All
In the face of global challenges such as wars, economic crises, and the urgent need for a transition to a more social and ecological society, one might ask: Why should we focus on gender equality right now? The answer is clear: There is no true democracy without equality. A fair society can only function if the potential of all people—especially women—is recognized and utilized.
To actively support this process, Smart is launching the monthly “Women Power Circle” in April—an open platform for exchange and empowerment. Together, we will discuss the structures women need to take the next steps and which strategies can support them in their individual and collective challenges.
Smart stands for sustainable self-employment and solidarity economy in the working world. As a cooperative for the self-employed, we not only offer financial security but also training and workshops for freelancers looking to develop and network. Supporting solidarity in self-employment is especially important to us, as we strive to empower freelancers and independent professionals in the best way possible. The “ElevatHER” project fits seamlessly into our concept: it strengthens women in self-employment, increases their visibility, and helps them gain more influence in a cooperative, sustainable working world. At the same time, SMartDE is particularly proud to be implementing another project initiated by its members and to have received EU funding for the first time—a significant milestone for our cooperative.
More to come soon! We look forward to closing power gaps together with you.
