A report by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) sheds light on the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global labour market. The report reveals that women have been disproportionately affected by the socio-economic consequences of the pandemic, facing additional burdens in the workforce while also managing the often unacknowledged “invisible work” at home. These findings underscore the urgent need for initiatives that address the work-life balance challenges faced by women in the post-pandemic world of work.
In response to this pressing issue, the BALANCE project has been launched with the aim of providing comprehensive support and equipping women and their employers with the tools necessary to effectively manage work-life balance. The project, implemented in Greece, Estonia, Finland, Belgium, Denmark, and Ireland, places a strong emphasis on promoting the mental well-being of women.
The first tangible outcome of the BALANCE project is the creation of a unique resource called the “Library of Experiences.” This innovative library consists of a collection of videos featuring women from partner countries who share their personal narratives about their experiences during the pandemic, work-life balance struggles, and stories of burnout. These videos are thoughtfully produced with subtitles available in all languages spoken in the partner countries.
The primary objective of the library is to establish a shared space where women from across Europe can exchange their stories and experiences. Additionally, the library welcomes contributions from anyone interested in sharing their own story, thus encouraging a diverse range of perspectives.
To explore the inspiring stories in the BALANCE Library of Experiences, please visit: https://projectbalance.eu/library-of-experience/.
If you’re interested in contributing your own stories to the library, please reach out to us at: [email protected].
About the project
The BALANCE project receives co-funding from the Erasmus+ programme of the European Commission under Grant Agreement: Erasmus+ 2021-1-EE01-KA220-ADU-000028237. The project is a collaboration among six organisations from different European countries. Further information about the project can be found at: https://projectbalance.eu/.