Strong Women in Business: Connecting Communities Through Awareness and Cooperation

The Erasmus+ Youth Exchange "Strong Women in Business" (Project No: 2023-1-FR02-KA152-YOU-000125259) was held in Saint-Malo, France, from 23–30 January 2024.

Participants actively introduced the Erasmus+ Programme to the local community by distributing informational materials, presenting the project's objectives, and engaging residents in discussions about employment and gender equality. They also collected community opinions and simple employment statistics, exploring the challenges and opportunities women face in the labour market. These activities strengthened communication, teamwork, intercultural dialogue, and public engagement while fostering meaningful interaction with the local community.

The collected findings were later presented during a community information event attended by participants, local stakeholders, and residents. Experts shared initiatives supporting women in entrepreneurship, while participants presented their research and compared local observations with broader employment trends. Interactive discussions and question-and-answer sessions encouraged critical thinking, knowledge sharing, and greater awareness of equal opportunities, women's entrepreneurship, and active citizenship.

The project also promoted long-term impact by encouraging participants to continue sharing their Erasmus+ experiences after returning home. Through dissemination activities, they committed to introducing the programme to new audiences and motivating other young people to participate in international learning opportunities. Regular reflection sessions and leadership evaluations further supported the quality of the project and helped ensure continuous improvement throughout the exchange.

Intercultural learning complemented these educational activities through a Cultural Night celebrating traditional cuisine and cultural heritage. Participants presented regional dishes, shared the stories behind their local food traditions, and introduced words from their native languages, creating an engaging environment for cultural exchange. By combining community outreach, entrepreneurship education, intercultural dialogue, and non-formal learning, Strong Women in Business empowered participants to become active ambassadors for women's empowerment, entrepreneurship, and the Erasmus+ Programme.