EGAL’ ASSO: Promoting gender equality in associations

Projet
  • CSR & diversity ｜ Social affairs ｜ Social economy ｜ Sustainable development

Funded by the European Union’s Erasmus+ programme, the Égal’Asso project aims to improve support for changes in internal and external practices related to gender equality within associations employing between 0 and 25 staff members.

These organizations will thus become key messengers promoting gender equality among their beneficiaries, who represent the project’s final target group. These individuals will benefit from the implementation of practices that foster equality within the organizations they engage with. The project is being implemented in Belgium, France and Greece.

Context

Values of equality and social justice lie at the heart of the Social and Solidarity Economy (SSE). Yet in 2012, the organization Femm’ESS (France) warned of significant inequalities within a sector in which over 70% of employees are women. In all three partner countries (Belgium, France, and Greece), recent studies and surveys show that gender inequalities persist and that the non-profit sector is not exempt.
Associations are nevertheless key actors in promoting equality within their communities. SSE organizations play an essential role in advancing gender mainstreaming and fostering a shared culture of equality. However, many associations feel unequipped or lack the tools necessary to develop gender‑equality policies both internally and externally—for their teams, their audiences, and their beneficiaries.
In response to persistent gender inequalities, some political initiatives have begun to emerge, rooted in a systemic understanding of gender‑based violence. This systemic perspective, long advocated by feminist movements, helps reveal the broader mechanisms of inequality and power relations that operate at a societal level and permeate the daily lives of individuals. It therefore becomes crucial to engage in the deconstruction of gender stereotypes at every level—including within the associative sector.

Objectives

The Égal’Asso project aims to equip small and medium‑sized associations with concrete and transferable educational tools that enable them to establish genuine gender equality. Indeed, after conducting a review of the project’s partner countries, very few tools were found to exist for smaller associations.
The specific objectives of the Égal’Asso project are to:
  • improve the skills and knowledge of professionals in the targeted associations on gender equality issues;
  • encourage and facilitate the adoption of sustainable practices to improve gender equality in both internal operations (governance, human resources) and external activities (partnerships and relations with beneficiaries);
  • demonstrate that implementing a gender equality approach is both feasible and financially viable for associations;
  • strengthen participants’ capacity to raise awareness and/or support local stakeholders on gender equality issues;
  • Raise awareness and build understanding among local decision‑makers and other stakeholders regarding the challenges of gender equality.

Project Partners

POUR LA SOLIDARITÉ (PLS), Belgium:
An independent European think & do tank committed to building a more inclusive and sustainable Europe. PLS contributes its expertise in research, European project coordination, and support for social‑economy initiatives.

Maison des Associations de Tourcoing (MdA), France:
A key pillar of local community life, strongly engaged with young people—particularly those under 18—active in ecological transition and in the fight against discrimination. The MdA upholds clear values of social and solidarity economics, knowledge sharing, empowerment, and civic participation.

Conseil Recherche Ingénierie et Formation pour l’Égalité femmes‑hommes (CORIF), France:
An association that has been promoting professional equality and gender diversity for 40 years, and actively combating sexist stereotypes and representations. Its extensive work with companies, local authorities, the national education system, and individuals has enabled CORIF to develop recognised expertise in gender equality in the workplace, both in France and abroad.

Hellenic Youth Participation (HYP), Greece:
An organisation dedicated to intercultural dialogue, non‑formal education, mutual understanding, and solidarity. Its main objective is to promote human rights through non‑formal education and experiential learning.

  • En cours
  • European project

Period

01/11/2024
at 31/12/2026

Contact

  • Jeremiah Lahesa

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