France

This programme helps in a number of different ways, including easing the transition between school or vocational training and employment, teaching effective job-search techniques, aiding career development and starting a business. So far over 30 young women have been paired with established professionals in industries as diverse as architecture, medicine, trade, accountancy, journalism and information technology.

Cross-border partnerships have been set up with SI Union of Switzerland, with a dedicated website launched to help pool resources and create synergies.

‘Femmes et Technologies’ prizes have been awarded to encourage girls to study traditionally male-dominated subjects, such as science and technology. Recent winners are now enrolled in courses in the fields of heating engineering, mechanical engineering, renewable energy, construction and composite materials technology (a gateway to the aerospace and automotive industries). Recipients were presented with their awards at an international technology industries job fair.

The Union also awards the ‘Sorop Envie d’Entreprendre’ prize to help women entrepreneurs develop into tomorrow’s business leaders. Projects involving a start-up or a business no more than a year old are evaluated by judges on criteria such as originality, revenue potential and the degree to which they engage with the challenges of sustainable development.