MEP visits Chwarae Teg's Agile Nation project

26th March 2010

A multi-million pound project that is helping women all over Wales climb the career ladder has been visited by the Welsh Labour MEP Derek Vaughan

Women who are improving their skills by completing management courses or by signing their employees up for training met the Euro MP at Melin Corrwg Business Park, Treforest

MEP visits Chwarae Teg's Agile Nation project

MEP visits Chwarae Teg's Agile Nation project

The group discussed the benefits of Chwarae Teg’s Agile Nation project, which promotes gender equality in employment and helps women to advance their careers.

The £12.5m project is jointly financed by the ESF (European Social Fund) and the Welsh Assembly Government and aims to tackle the difficulties faced by women in the workplace.

By providing training and mentoring, some 2,800 women in the 15 regions of the Convergence area will receive the support they need to achieve higher skilled and higher paid employment opportunities.

This covers 15 local authorities across North, West and the Valleys areas of Wales, including Rhondda Cynon Taff, Merthyr Tydfil, Caerphilly, Bridgend, Blaenau Gwent, and Torfaen.

Agile Nation also works with over 600 employers on training, equality and diversity issues, both raising awareness of the benefits of flexible working, as well as educating employers about work-life balance issues.

Speaking to the project participants about their experiences, the Mr Vaughan said:

“It’s encouraging to hear such positive feedback about the success of Agile Nation from some of the women who are already benefiting from its training and support programmes.  

“It was great to hear from women how training is helping them to fulfil their potential. The project is giving these women a huge confidence boost, providing them with opportunities they otherwise may not have had to achieve success at work, to manage their work-life balance and better support their families.    

“Building those extra skills and confidence is vital to ensure that Wales has the workforce it needs to emerge stronger from the recession.

“It’s important that employers’ needs are not ignored as we look towards a more gender-equal workforce. Agile Nation is working hard to ensure employers receive the support they need to help reduce segregation in the labour market, and offer flexible working solutions to women that are practical and effective. It’s been great to hear employers talk about how this approach is already working for them.”