The NOVA National School of Public Health (NOVA NSPH) participated in the 2nd Transnational Meeting of the HERA project – Helping Empower Women through Reskilling and Advancement, held in Naples. The meeting brought together partners from various European countries to strengthen coordination and the implementation of ongoing activities.
Coordinated by NOVA NSPH, the HERA project aims to empower women over 45 through professional reskilling, promoting equal opportunities in the labour market and contributing to the reduction of social and gender inequalities. In a context marked by rapid digital transformations and sustainable transition, the project addresses social determinants of health that influence access to employment, education, and social participation.
During the meeting, held on 17-18 December, partners shared experiences and best practices related to the implementation of HERA Labs in different countries, as well as strategies for stakeholder engagement and the development of solutions adapted to local realities. This collaborative work allowed the alignment of approaches, anticipation of common challenges, and reinforcement of the consortium’s cooperative dimension.
For Sónia Dias, Dean of NOVA NSPH and coordinator of the HERA consortium, “the meeting in Naples was a pivotal moment for the HERA project, bringing together the partners responsible for implementing HERA Labs across several countries. Sharing experiences enabled the identification of effective approaches and the anticipation of common challenges, strengthening close and motivating collaboration, resulting in more inclusive and sustainable solutions that meet the real needs of the women we aim to support”.
In addition to the Dean of NOVA NSPH, researcher Maria João Marques also attended the meeting, which was joined via videoconference by Carolina Santos and Sofia Madeira, a lecturer and researcher at NOVA NSPH, respectively.
The HERA project involves a consortium of 10 partners from 8 countries, with the support of the European Commission. Beyond its direct impact on women’s reskilling and employability, the project aims to contribute to the development of more inclusive public policies, based on evidence and best practices, ensuring a lasting impact at European level.
