The SheEmpower project - 'Unleashing the Power of Women Entrepreneurs in the Mediterranean' - offers concrete responses to the challenges faced by women in business by creating new opportunities for growth and cross-border cooperation across the region, Anna Kosma, Publicity Manager of the Larnaca and Famagusta Districts Development Agency, has said.
In an interview with CNA, Kosma said the project will strengthen transnational cooperation, knowledge exchange and networking among organisations from Cyprus, Spain, France, Italy, Egypt and Lebanon. It will train 280 women entrepreneurs in innovation, digital transformation and business development, while also establishing the SheEmpower MED Regional Network with the participation of 500 women entrepreneurs.
The project’s kick-off meeting took place in early February at the Environmental Information Centre of Mountainous Larnaca in Skarinou and was hosted by the Larnaca and Famagusta Districts Development Agency, which serves as lead partner.
The European initiative aims to remove barriers faced by women entrepreneurs through an integrated framework of actions including training, mentoring, digital skills development and the creation of cross-border collaboration networks, she said.
According to Kosma key activities include specialised training for 280 women entrepreneurs, a structured mentorship programme for 140 participants and e-business training to strengthen digital capabilities for another 140 women. In addition, an advanced support package will assist 20 women in launching new businesses. The project will also organise cross-border business missions involving 21 participants, she said.
Structured into five work packages, SheEmpower seeks to enhance international cooperation, facilitate knowledge exchange and expand networking opportunities among partner organisations across the Mediterranean, according to Kosma. By fostering a strong regional ecosystem for women entrepreneurs, the initiative aims to accelerate innovation, boost competitiveness and contribute to inclusive economic growth throughout the region, she added.
The project is implemented under the Interreg NEXT MED Programme, a transnational cooperation programme co-funded by the European Union that brings together countries from the northern and southern Mediterranean around a shared vision of sustainable and inclusive development.
SheEmpower has a total budget of €2,747,000, with 89% funded by the European Union. The project will run for 30 months and is scheduled for completion in December 2028.
Visit https://www.interregnextmed.eu/project-page/sheempower/about/ for more information about the project.
(Source: CNA)
