The launch of Skills for Success took place during the UfM's "Women's Socio-economic Empowerment: Projects for Progress" conference at its Barcelona headquarters on March 26-27, 2014. It included a formal signing of the agreement between Amideast, the UfM, and the Flemish Department of Foreign Affairs, which will add to funds already provided for the program by the government of Norway. The program was also previewed in detail before the conference audience of some 250, including government representatives, development experts, officials of international organizations focusing on women's empowerment and gender equality, and others from the private sector and civil society.
In supporting Skills for Success, the UfM is reinforcing its broader efforts to advance the socioeconomic empowerment of women in the Euro-Mediterranean region. The program specifically addresses the high unemployment rates among young women across the region by providing skills training coupled with job search coaching to help them bridge the gap between school and the workplace. By working with local employers to match participants with jobs and by emphasizing training in English language, computer, basic business, and other skills, it also seeks to raise the region's very low rates of labor participation for women.
"Amideast is pleased and gratified to receive UfM support for this important initiative. The program will help many women overcome obstacles to entering the workforce, benefiting their families and their societies," said Amideast President and CEO Theodore H. Kattouf.
Initial implementation of Skills for Success will be in Jordan and Morocco, with Egypt, Lebanon, and Tunisia following later in 2014 or 2015. Approximately 90 women in each country will participate in the six-month training program.
